
Class. 
Book. 



?"}3^Zjk 



-£^ 



fojjyTightN". 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



^p ?^illiam LtntJficp 



RED WINE OF ROUSSILLON. 
THE SEVERED MANTLE. Illustrated in color. 
HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY 

BOSTON ANU NEW YORK 



Red Wine of Roussillon 



^m 



Red Wine of 
Roussillon 

^ Play in Four Acts 
By William Lindsey 




BOSTON and NEW TORK 
Houghton Mifflin Company 

1915 






COPYRIGHT, 19:5, BY WILLIAM LINDSEY 

Published May iqis 



All rights reserved, including the rights of 
production, translation, and adaptation. 

The acting rights, both professional and am- 
ateur, are fully protected, and no performance 
may be given except by special arrangement 
with the author, who may be addressed in care 
of the publishers. 



^CI.D 40748 
MAY 24 1915 






TO 

MY DAUGHTER 

LESLIE 

The "Siddons " of our family 
I dedicate this, my first play 



CHARACTERS 



Raimon 

GUILHEM 

Berguedan 

ViDAL 
AlMAR 

Barral 

Peire 

Amfos 

AUDIART 
TiMON 

Seremonda 

GUIDA 

Ermengarda 
Clara 
Adele 
Marthe 



Count of Roussillon 

Lord of Cahestaing 

A Spanish Troubadour 

A Provencal Troubadour 

A Priest 

Raimon^s Squire 

An Innkeeper 

A Juggler 

A Tumbler 

A Blind Beggar 

Countess of Roussillon 

Sister of Seremonda 

Raimon' s Grand-Aunt 

Maid of Inn 

A Tire-Maiden 

A Lame Beggar 



Villagers, Servants, Etc. 



ACT I 

Scene I. Village of Roussillon. 

Early Morning of First Day. 

Scene II. Great Hall of Castle. 

ACT II 

Scene I. ^he Forest. 

Morning of Second Day. 

Scene II. 'The Garden. 

ACT III 

Scene I. A Tiring-Room. 

Evening of Second Day. 

Scene II. Great Hall of Castle. 

ACT IV 

Scene I. Village of Roussillon. 

Morning of Third Day. 

Scene II. Great Hall of Castle. 

Evening of Third Day. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 

Act I 



Red Wine of 
Roussillon 

Act I. Scene I. 

Early morning of a May day, in the latter part 
of the twelfth century. The village of Roussillon. 
At the left is a little church. At the hack is a rude 
shrine to the Virgin. On the right is the Inn of the 
Black Ram with an arbour overgrown by a grape- 
vine, and opening front. In the distance is seen 
the tozver of the castle. From the square run two 
streets, one hack of the church, the other to the 
castle. On the steps of the church are two old beg- 
gars: one, a blind man fast asleep, his head on his 
knees; the other, a woman, with a bunch of candles 
in her hand. As the scene opens there is the sound 
of rude voices chanting the mass. In the arbour 
sits ViDAL at a table on which is a beaker of wine, 
from which he takes long draughts. He is a little 



4 Red Wine of Roussillon 

man with a pointed heard. He is handsomely 
dressed and affected in speech and manner. He 
has a sword at his side, and his lute leans against 
the table. Audiart sits in front doorway of the inn, 
with a tankard of wine between his knees. Vidal 
throws back his head and drinks the last drop from 
the beaker, then pounds on the table. Clara 
emerges from a door of the inn, which opens into 
the arbour, and runs quickly forward. 

Vidal 
Another stoup! The same wine as the last! 

Clara 

Another stoup ! What is there wrong with this ? 
The same wine! Good my Lord, you've drunk 

it up. 
I'll bring its hke if that will pleasure you. 

Vidal 

Wouldst play with words while I die here with 

thirst? 
Hasten, fair Hebe, for my throat is parched. 
Your roads in Languedoc are white with dust. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 5 

Clara 

Hebe, forsooth! 

I know a dog that bears the selfsame name; 

She is a laggard, and her like I'll be; 

A Hebe would not hasten for your wine. 

(Clara walks slowly, hut at Vidal's gesture 
of appeal, she laughs and runs briskly into 
the inn. Vidal rises to his feet and struts 
up and down the arbour. Sings ;) 

Love is the wine of life, 

We'll drink it, you and I. 

Who cares to eat, when love is sweet, 

And Nicolette is nigh? 

{Reenter Clara with brimming stoup of wine) 

Vidal 

Be careful, pretty maid! Spill not one drop! 
(Clara gives stoup to Vidal, who takes a 
long draught.) 

Clara 

And yet you spill a thousand — down your 
throat. 



6 Red Wine of Roussillon 

ViDAL 

It is not wasted there. 'T is royal wine. 
Only Olympus boasts a richer grape. 

{Looking admiringly at Clara) 
Hebe herself is not more fair than thou. 

Clara 

A richer grape! 

There are no vines like those of Roussillon. 
Listen! My name is Clara. Mind it well. 
Where is Olympus .f* 

Vidal 

Ten leagues away and famous for its wine. 
They call it nectar. 

Clara 

Our good red wine is better, that I swear. 
Who is this Hebe.? Serves she at an inn.? 

Vidal 
Hebe might be 

Your sister, for her arms are round like yours. 
Her eyes like yours are blue; her lips are red. 
(Vidal tries to kiss her, but she turns her face 
away.) 



Red Wine of Roussillon 7 

A handbreadth taller is she, and her waist — 
(ViDAL tries to embrace her, hut she easily 
holds him at arm^s length, laughing at his 
efforts:) 

Clara 
You need not measure mine! 

(Berguedan enters ^rom street at left. He is 
a tall man, handsome, of a Spanish type. 
He is too richly dressed, and walks with a 
swagger. He is followed by Amfos, who 
carries a lute. Amfos goes to Audiart, 
who smiles and offers him the tankard. 
Amfos drinks after looking suspiciously at 
it and wiping the brim on his sleeve. He 
is thin and pale. Berguedan crosses the 
square and looks through the entrance of 
the arbour, a smile on his face, at Vidal 
and Clara, who do not notice him.) 



Vidal 

I have a girdle I would give to you, 
And yet, how can I know 'twill fit your 
waist? 



8 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Clara 

It must be longer than your arm. Take it 
To your Olympus where fair Hebe dwells. 
Is it the town from whence you came.'* 

(ViDAL passes an arm around Clara, who 
no longer repulses him.) 

ViDAL 

I am from fair Toulouse; — a troubadour, 
Who sings the praise of ladies bountiful. 

Clara 

You should be praising God within the church. 
They wait for your sweet voice across the way. 

ViDAL 

My God is love. We'll have a service here. ' 
I'll be the priest and you the acolyte. 

(Berguedan suddenly enters arbour) 

Berguedan 

And I the bishop, then. 

Go get you gone, my little priest of love. 

(Berguedan seizes Clara and kisses her in 



Red Wine of Roussillon 9 

spite of her struggles. Vidal springs up 
furious, draws his sword and threatens 
Berguedan.) 

Vidal 

By Saint Sernin! I'll have your life. 
You took the girl out of my very arms. 

(Berguedan laughs mockingly.) 

Berguedan 

A sparrow hawk has little chance for game 
When the gerfalcon's broader wings are free. 
Put up your sword or you may prick yourself: 
I do not fight with little men like you. 

(Vidal is about to spring at Berguedan, 
who continues to laugh and does not even 
draw his sword. Clara throws her arms 
around Vidal, and holds him tight in 
spite of his struggles.) 

Clara 

{Pretending terror) 

Good Messire Vidal! Have a care! 
I beg, I pray you do not kill him here. 
Think of the good name of the inn. 



10 Red Wine of Roussillon 

ViDAL 

At your entreaty will I spare his life. 

The little man could spit him on this blade, 

Cared he to quarrel in a country inn 

'Gainst a strange bully with a boasting tongue! 

Berguedan 

(Feigning astonishment) 

You do not know me, then? 

My name is Berguedan. I am from Spain, 

A troubadour, a knight, a gay gallant, 

{Looking at Clara) 
A lover who has never been denied 
By village beauty or by castle dame. 

Clara 

I' faith 't is raining troubadours to-day. 
And liars too. From what clouds do they fall? 
(Clara goes to door and examines sky care- 
fully.) 

Berguedan 

I did but jest. Come, let's be friends. 

(Vidal, at first resentful, finally drops his 
sword and embraces Berguedan.) 



Red Wine of Roussillon ii 

ViDAL 

We're brother troubadours. I know your songs, 
And mine are carolled by a thousand throats. 
You've heard the name of Vidal. Who has not? 

Berguedan 

Your reputation flames through Aragon. 

I '11 drink to your good health. My pretty maid, 

Come, bring us wine. Fetch us your best. 

Clara 

There Is no bad wine made in Roussillon: 
There is no good. It is all best. 

{Exit Clara.) 

Berguedan 

Have you heard Borneil yet.? Queen Rumor says 
He is the master of us all. 

Vidal 

My master! No. He has no voice at all. 
He cannot sing. He only chants his songs. 



12 Red Wine of Roussillon 
Berguedan 

Well, so do I, and think it better far 

Than drown the sense beneath a flood of sound. 

The troubadour must be a poet first. 

ViDAL 

But if he sings, his net is doubly meshed 
To catch all hearts. I know it passing well. 
I could tell tales. 

Berguedan 

I 'm sure you could, you fisherman of hearts. 
What is your voice, a tenor or a bass? 

ViDAL 

Do you not know? Listen to this. 

(ViDAL sings, ending with a high falsetto note.) 
It's called a "vapour tenor." 'T is unique. 

Berguedan 

I sv/ear I never heard its like before. 

(Berguedan takes Vidal's lute up, touches 
the strings, and examines it carefully.) 
Where got you this ? 



Red Wine of Roussillon 13 

ViDAL 

'T was from the hand of Lady Alazais, 
And with it came this chain around my neck, 
An ambhng palfrey and a well-filled purse; 
What else I am too gently bred to tell. 

{Enter Clara, who -puts wine on table. Vidal 
drinks) 

Berguedan 

She could deny you nothing, I am sure. 

(Berguedan drinks and smacks his lips.) 
My throat was parched. It is a royal wine. 
Whose are the grapes from which this juice was 
pressed.? 

Clara 

Far as the eye can reach, each foot of land 
Belongs to Raimon, Count of Roussillon^ 
Or did; the man is dead, God rest his soul! 

Berguedan 

Dead, say you! Dead! With ruddy wine like this! 
He should have lived a hundred happy years. 



14 ,Red Wine of Roussillon 

Clara 

So might he, had he stayed in Roussillon. 
He went to Palestine across the sea. 

Berguedan 

And left untouched one butt of wine like this! 
Sit on my knee and tell me why. 

Clara 

A gosling with a fox! I'm safer here — 
Beyond your reach. 

(Berguedan seizes her and tries to pull her 
down. Clara gives a little scream.) 

I'll cry so loud I swear 
The worshippers will run to rescue me. 

(Clara smooths her hair and dress and looks 
resentfully at Berguedan.) 

Berguedan 
What if there were no rescuers near? 

Clara 

I would not fear you. See this dagger stuck 
Within my garter girdle ? 'T is a way 
We maidens have in merry Languedoc. 

(Clara shows dagger in garter,) 



Red Wine of Roussillon 15 

ViDAL 

Is it a dagger? Let me look again. 

(Clara drops her skirt with assumed modesty.) 

Clara 
You look not at the blade. 

Berguedan 

A pretty plaything, truly! By the mass, 
My heart is turned to ice at sight of it. 
I understand why Raimon ran away. 

Clara 

{Very seriously) 

I '11 tell you why. — Our Count of Roussillon 
Loved Seremonda, a young demoiselle, 
Whose father gave her to another lord. 
But on the wedding day, into the church 
Rushed Raimon, mad with rage and jealousy. 
He slew his rival, bore the lady back 
To Roussillon, and married her by force. 

Berguedan 

She had forgot her dagger, then. 

(Clara raises her finger zvarningly.) 



'i6 Red Wine of Roussillon 
Clara 

The very altar steps were splashed with blood, 
And in the mellay e'en the priest was hurt. 

Berguedan 
He was a fool to strike a priest. 

Clara 

All Languedoc was vibrant with the crime, 
And punishment came quickly; for the curse 
Of Holy Church was put on Raimon's soul. 

ViDAL 

I like your lusty Lord of Roussillon; 

He was a strong man after mine own heart. 

What was his penance? 

Clara 

They sent him on a weary pilgrimage 
To Christ's own river in the Holy Land. 

Berguedan 

With not a drop of his Roussillon wine! 
Died he of thirst? 



Red Wine of Roussillon 17 

Clara 

Why mock at sacred things? 

He joined the army of the blessed cross, 

And in the battle of Tiberias, 

Met an untimely fate. 

ViDAL 

God rest his soul! Death gets us all at last. 

Clara 

God save and pardon him. 

{All the time there is the sound of voices in the 
church celebrating mass. This ceases and 
the worshippers emerge from the church 
door.) 

Marthe 
Alms, for the love of God. 

TiMON 

Help me, a poor blind man. 

{Both continue to cry until the church is 
emptied. The young men and maidens run 



i8 Red Wine of Roussillon 

down the street at right of church. Clara, 
ViDAL, and Berguedan stand looking 
through the vine.) 

Clara 

See how the youths and maidens hurry off. 
It is a feast day, and among the fields 
They seek the early blooming asphodel. 

Berguedan 

And If a maid is kissed behind a hedge, 
She'll draw the dagger from her garter hung? 

Clara 

{Looking knowingly) 
If she's not kissed she may. 

ViDAL 

What do they when the sun Is high."* 

Clara 

They gather then before the inn, 
And sing an old-world song known only here. 
'T is called "The Jealous Husband," and the 
dance 



Red Wine of Roussillon 19 

That goes with it, I swear you never saw 
In far Olympus where your Hebe dwells. 



ViDAL 

For village dances I care not. 
I'll to the castle; haply I may find 
The widowed Seremonda affable. — 
And is she fair.? 

Clara 
As sweet as April — and as wayward too. 

ViDAL 

I'll sing to her. 

Berguedan 

And I. 'Tis sweet to bring 
Soft consolation to a wife bereft, 
If she be young — and beautiful — and rich. 

Vidal 

I'll wager this gold chain, around my neck, 
'Gainst what you will, of value like to like, 



20 Red Wine of Roussillon 

I win the first sweet favour from her hand; 
Some sign of love, a kerchief or a flower. 

(Berguedan examines chain carefully, and 
then shows his finger to Vidal.) 

Berguedan 
I'll risk this ring — 'twould buy two chains 

like yours. 
I would be fair with you. 'T is only just. 
The ladies love not little men. 

Vidal 

I'm weary of your "little men"; 

I'll kill you if you use the words again. 

Clara 
Fight not for her. 
Little or big, she will not notice you. 

Vidal 
And why, forsooth? Others have smiled on me. 
Maids, wives, and widows have I taught to love. 

Berguedan 
I am a master in blind Cupid's school. 
I'll lesson her. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 21 

Clara 

She hath a younger troubadour, 
His voice is honey and his face a dream. 
A whit too much the saint he is for me, 
But suits fair Seremonda passing well: — 
Although she is no saint she favours him. 
She'll never smile on you with Guilhem near. 

Berguedan 

And if I please her not, what do I care? 

I'll tell some story with a hidden twist 

To make her doubt her Guilhem's steadfastness ; 

I love to mock at love. 

Clara 
She would not listen. Do you joy in lies ? ; 

ViDAL 

When but a little lad my fondest game 
Was to entangle the bright skeins of yarn 
With which the tire-maids wrought the tapestry. 
And now I love to intertwine Life's skein, 
To see the puzzled fingers as they grope 
Amid the threads, mixed in a hopeless snarl. 



22 Red Wine of Roussillon 

If not the lover's, then the tangler's part 
I play — I care not which. 

Clara 

A meddler and a mocker! which is worse! 

(GuiDA emerges from church) 
This is the Lady Guida; she is fair, 
And good, and kind, and walks a path discreet. 
Older than Seremonda by three years, 
She guards her sister like a little child 
Whose heart is wilful and whose footsteps stray. 

Berguedan 
Her hair Is like a shadow of the night. 
Her face is fair, her eyes are beautiful — 
And yet she is too cold to suit my taste. 

Clara 

She's much too good for you. 

(Ermengarda enters from church) 
The lady Ermengarda follows her; 
Grand-aunt to Raimon is she — and a cat. 

ViDAL 

An aged tabby. Though her eyes are dim. 
Her claws are curved and sharp. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 23 

Clara 

Nought 'scapes her. Eyes and claws alike are 
keen. 

(Ermengarda puts hand on Guida's shoulder 
and they descend steps.) 

Ermengarda 
I 'd wait for Seremonda, — not so fast. 

GuiDA 
She needs us not with Guilhem by her side. 

Ermengarda 
She wants us not, you mean. 

GuiDA 

She neither needs nor wants us; let us go. 
They'll pass us e'er we reach the castle gate. 

Ermengarda 

I like to keep my eyes upon the pair. 

GUIDA 

They need no watching. Let them follow us: 
The maids are idling in the kitchen now. 



24 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Ermengarda 

The lazy drabs ! I '11 beat them with this crutch. 
(Ermengarda brandishes crutch. Guida and 
Ermengarda exit down street at right.) 

{Enter Seremonda and Guilhem /row church) 

Clara 
That's Seremonda — Guilhem by her side. 

Berguedan 

Ah! She's no maid of ice. 

The very wind grows warm for love of her. 

Vidal 

Blonde Helen is she of wide Languedoc. 

I'd risk my head to win her smile. 

(Guilhem gives his hand with great devotion. 
Seremonda pauses at the top step and, 
bending over, whispers into Guilhem's 
ear, pointing down road at Ermengarda. 
Guilhem smiles up at her.) 

Guilhem 
We'll take the forest path, and fool your aunt. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 25 

Seremonda 
'T is twice as far. 

GUILHEM 

No path is long when you are by my side. 

Seremonda 

If you will gather asphodel for me, 

And play that we are peasant man and maid, 

I'll go with you — the longer way. 

(Berguedan shakes the dust from his 
shoulder, Vidal pulls down the lace at his 
sleeve, and both saunter out of the arbour 
into the street. Neither Seremonda nor 
GuiLHEM notices them at all. Vidal and 
'Berguedai^ follow down the street. Clara 
turns to the table with a derisive gesture, 
wipes it, and takes the empty stoup into 
the inn. Exit Guilhem and Seremonda.) 

Audiart 

Well, brother juggler, 't is a lucky day. 
I hope Dame Fortune smiles on you. 



26 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Amfos 
Dame Fortune is a jade, a scurvy jade. 

AUDIART 

The more fool you to rail at her. 

How is your master? Does he feed you well? 

Amfos 
Indifferent well. 
He says gaunt Famine stalks where'er I go. 

AUDIART 

I'd bleed his purse. 

Amfos 

He is too sharp for me. 
I cannot rob him of a copper coin 
But I am caught and beaten to the bone. 
I am a juggler, but no slight of hand 
Can cozen him. What is your forte? 

AUDIART 

I am a tumbler, and the little man 

I call my master treats me passing well. 

He's never angry, and he beats me not 



Red Wine of Roussillon 27 

Unless I trim his pointed beard awry. 
A single hair will make him furious. 

{He knocks on door and Clara comes to it, 
AuDiART points at Amfos.) 
This gentleman desires a stoup of wine. 

Amfos 
I did not say I'd pay for wine. 

AUDIART 

You Ve drank the half of mine. 

Amfos 
Yours was half gone before it touched my lips. ' 

Clara 

{Scornfully) 

Well, is it yes or no.'' I have my work, 
I cannot linger here. 

AUDIART 

You did not hasten when my master held 
His little arm like this. {Archinghis arm.) 

(Clara cuffs Audiart, who rolls over and 

comes up on his feet with a handspring^ 

laughing mockingly.) 



28 Red Wine of Roussillon 
Clara 

Your masters were but little to my taste, 
The men are not at all. Well, will you drink? 

Amfos 

We'll have a stoup of wine inside the house. 
That black cloud threatens rain. 

{The day grows darker. Clara enters inn 
followed by Audiart and Amfos. Enter 
Raimon and Barral from street, left. 
They are both armed and white with dust. 
Removing his helmet, Raimon falls on his 
knees before the shrine, bows his head, 
crosses himself, and prays. Aimar comes 
through the church door, followed by a little 
acolyte. He slowly descends the church steps, 
comes to Raimon's side and puts his hand 
on Raimon's shoulder. The latter looks up 
and says:) 

Raimon 

Bless me, good Father. 

(Aimar recognizes Raimon and staggers back 
pale with fear and astonishment.) 



Red Wine of Roussillon 29 

AlMAR 

Raimon of Roussillon! 

Raimon 
Bless me, good Father Aimar. 

AlMAR 

Your penance is complete? 

Raimon 

To the last act. Within the Jordan's waves, 
I washed myself white as the spotless snow. 

Aimar 
The absolution of the Church is yours? 

Raimon 

My sin is expiate, my heart is clean. 
The evil from my soul is swept away. 

(Aimar blesses him and Raimon rises to his 
feet.) 

Aimar 

The Scripture tells of one whose heart was purged, 
But nowhere could the banished demon find 



30 Red Wine of Roussillon 

A place to rest. So back he came, again, 

And with him seven evil spirits more, 

To dwell within the swept and garnished soul. 

Raimon 
Truly, good Father, I would keep from sin. 

AlMAR 

My son, I know how riotous is your blood: 
'T is like your wine, too full of liquid fire! 
Cease not to pray. 

Raimon 

{With a gesture of impatience) 

I'm not a priest, good father, nor a monk. 
I Ve given two long years out of my life 
To pay the forfeit of a moment's sin. 

AlMAR 

You killed a man upon the altar steps; 
The curse of Holy Church was on your soul. 
A full month lived you excommunicate 
Before you made submission. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 31 

Raimon 

{Shruggifig his shoulders) 

The Counts of Roussillon have stubborn backs. 

My knees were stiff and bent not easily, 

Yet they did bend with many a creak and groan. 

AlMAR 

You bowed before the mandate of the Church, 
And went a pilgrim to the Holy Land. 

Raimon 

Yet more — I fought, a soldier of the Cross. 
I was a captive, face to face with Death. 
This paid my reckoning with a liberal hand. 
Well now, good father Aimar, — mark me 

well, — 
I've drunk the dregs out of a bitter cup, 
I crave a few drops of the "joy of life." 

Aimar 

I do not grudge them, yet beware of sin. 
Upon your brow you bear the mark of Cain, 
And still within your breast you hold the wife 
^or whom you dared the wrath of Heaven. 



32 Red Wine of Roussillon 
Raimon 

She was well worth the risk. Tell me of her. 
I'm thirsty for the wine of her red lips. 
Is Seremonda safe and well.'' 

AlMAR 

Well Is she. See that through your love for 

her 
You do not sin again. 

{Looking on Barral) 

Who Is this man 
That stands so still and silent here.f* 

Raimon 

His name Is Barral and he Is my squire. 
He fought with me at black Tiberias, 
And, taken captive, from his mouth they tore 
His quivering tongue, and left him dumb and 
mute. 

AlMAR 

{To Barral) 

God will reward you for all suffering. 
And give you perfect speech in Heaven. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 33 

Raimon 

He's brave and faithful and I like him well, 
Almost as much as Guilhem. Has the lad 
Grown tall and strong? 

AlMAR 

Tall is he, strong and good, 
And he has won his spurs for knightly deeds. 
He can be trusted, and he holds himself 
With the strong bridle of the law of God. 
Pray the good saints for power to restrain 
Your passion that so long has run at will. 

Raimon 
'T would be a test of prayer — and of the saints. 

AlMAR 

Trust in their power. 
Now must I leave you, for the pious soul 
Of an old peasant waits, that my poor hand 
May help him on the road to Paradise. 
I wish, my lord, I wish I were as sure 
Your swept and garnished soul could climb to 
heaven. 
{Exit AiMAR with acolyte down street, left. 



34 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Raimon watches Aimar until he disap- 
pears, then draws a long breath, stretches his 
arms, and looks up to the sky. His whole 
bearing changes.) 

Raimon 

Thank God, good Barral, I am home again. 
There is no air Hke that of Roussillon. 
No black sheep are there like its ebon flock. 
Its red wine is the best in all the world, 
As I will prove if you but follow me. 

{They cross over, enter arbour, and seat 
themselves at a table facing each other.) 
Long years ago a Count of Roussillon 
Buried his enemy within a field. 
And o'er his body planted a young vine. 
This flourished like the gourd of Araby, 
And bore great clusters of a ruddy grape, 
Which, crushed within the vat, became a wine 
So rich, its like was not in Languedoc. 
The simple peasants say there lingers still 
A drop of angry blood in every cup. 

(Barral makes sign of unbelief.) 
I know not whether it be true or false, 
But we of Roussillon are violent, 



Red Wine of Roussillon 35 

And many lusty sinners He at rest 
Upon their hard beds in the little church 
With coverlets of stone upon their breasts. 
There is a drop of blood in every cup : 
I wonder can we taste it, you and I. 

(Raimon pounds on table and calls out.) 
Here, old Peire, you sluggard! Wake, I say, 
And do not stop to yawn and rub your eyes, 
But bring two giant flagons of red wine. 

{First Clara looks out, and shrinks back 
with a scream. Then Peire comes to door, 
blinking at the light, evidently just awak- 
ened. He is a mass of flesh. He gazes 
stupidly at Raimon. Raimon laughs 
heartily.) 

Raimon 

{To Barral) 

He once was called our sturdiest man at arms. 

{To Peire) 
Come, good Peire, I'll prove I am no ghost; 
Bring to me here a stoup of wine. 

Peire 
God bless us, master! You are safe and sound.'' 



36 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Raimon 

Pm safe — but, by Saint Bacchus, thirsty too. 

Bring us two stoups, another for yourself, 

Or send out Clara and I'll kiss the maid. 

She'll tell you if my lips are cold with death. 
(Peire comes slowly, his fat face wreathed in 
smiles. Clara follows with three flagons 
of wine which she places on table. Raimon 
takes her on his knee and kisses her. She 
pulls away, blushing and smiling, and 
runs toward the house. At the door she 
turns and says:) 

Clara 
'T was not a dead man's kiss. 

Raimon 

You hear what Clara says? Now, good Peire, 
I'll give another proof I am no ghost. 

{He drinks the whole flagon without a stop. 
Barral drinks also. Barral makes a 
gesture of delight^ 
There's not its like this side of Paradise. 
Come, Clara, quick, three flagons more. 

(Clara brings full flagons.) 



Red Wine of Roussillon 37 

To-day no one can pay for wine but me. 
It shall be free to every passer by. 

Peire 

'T will cost you dearly, for this is the morn 
When all the village dances in the square. 
There'll be a crowd of them before this door, 
Each with a husky throat, thirsty for wine. 

Raimon 

They're all my guests, come they from far or 
near. 
(Berguedan and Vidal approach slowly 
Jrom street at right of church.) 

Peire 

My lord, we've mourned you as one dead. 
They said your head was cleft in twain. 

Raimon 

So was it had my skull not been too thick. 

(Peire examines Raimon's wound.) 

Peire 
They nearly had you. 'T was a vicious blow. 



38 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Raimon 

(Mockingly) 

'T is like the mark of Cain upon my brow. — 
You, Barral, heard what Aimar said to me — 
The scimitar's curved edge cuts not so deep 
As a straight sword-blade in a heavy hand. 

(Raimon draws sword from belt.) 
I wielded this until my nerveless arm 
Hung by my side. I could not lift it more. 

Peire 
There is no better sword in Languedoc. 

Raimon 

A day and night I lay upon the field 

And only came to life when in my face 

A greedy vulture stabbed his eager beak. 

I scarce had strength to beat the foul bird off. 

Then I was captive till good Barral here 

Helped me to 'scape to Acre, where we found 

A ship that brought us home at last. 

Peire 
The saints be praised! 



Red Wine of Roussillon 39 
{Enter Berguedan and Vidal) 
Berguedan 
And sinners too. 

Vidal 
And love and song and wine. 

Berguedan 
We'll drink to love and song. 

Peire 
This is Count Raimon, whom we mourned as 
dead. 

Berguedan 
{Greatly astonished) 
The Count of Roussillon! 

Raimon 
Who bids the whole world be his guest to-day. 
You are the first to drink with me. 

Vidal 

Right gladly will I — your good health {drinks). 
And if you have a lady young and fair 
I '11 sing her praises in your hall to-night. 



40 Red Wine of Roussillon 
Berguedan 

One voice Is not enough to glorify 

A lovely woman. She shall hear me too. 

Raimon 

You both shall sing. 

I '11 bring you to my castle, where your eyes 

Shall see the fairest lady 'neath the sun. 

Sweet is she as the blooming asphodel, 

For which the merry peasants seek to-day. — 

{Rising with his hand to his ear) 
Listen, I think I hear them singing now. 

{Song, first faint, grows louder until youths 
and maidens enter from street at right of 
church, followed by villagers. The king and 
queen of the dancers come to the front of the 
stage. The king is very old and feeble with 
a tinsel crown on his head. The queen is 
young and beautiful. She also has a crown. 
There are eight others in the dance, four 
men and four maids.) 

Raimon 
That is chill Winter, he who wears the crown, 



Red Wine of Roussillon 41 

He's called the jealous husband, and his queen 
Deserts him for the warm embrace of Spring. 
{The eight young peasants join hands and 
dance around the king and queen. Then 
they form in line and, passing between the 
king and queen, the men dance in a circle 
around the king and the maids around the 
queen. The king tries to break through the 
circle, and at last succeeds, but cannot 
reach his queen, as the maids will not un- 
clasp their hands.) 

SONG 

Now the days are bright and clear, heigho! 
Winter's gone, the Spring is here, heigho! 
And our young queen need not fear, heigho! 
To show her lord, with frown austere, 
What lusty lad she fancies. — 

Chorus 

Join our dance, pretty queen of the May: 
Join our dance, with us play. 
Go away, jealous man, go away! 

Youths have come from far and near, heigho! 
Here's a shepherd without peer, heigho! 



42 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Take him if you find him dear, heigho! 

Be a gallant mutineer, 

Veil not your amorous glances. — Chorus. 

See him try to domineer, heigho! 

See him frown and see him sneer, heigho! 

He's an old man bald and blear, heigho! 

He's too ugly to appear 

With her whose grace entrances. — Chorus. 

Here's a youth who all the year, heigho! 
Tends the vines. Well made to cheer, heigho! 
Warm his heart, his love sincere, heigho! 
Call him if you wish him near; 
He like a feather dances. — Chorus. 



(At the dose of the song the dancers form two 
lines headed by the king and queen. The 
king and the four young men fall on their 
knees in an attitude of appeal. The queen is 
about to choose her lover and throw herself 
in the arms of the vine-dresser when Rai- 
MON Springs forward and seizes her. She 
screams, the peasants are startled, and 
huddle together with exclamations of fear 
and astonishment. Peire comes forward 
and says:) 



Red Wine of Roussillon 43 
Peire 

It is our good lord safe and well, 
Who bids you all to eat and drink your fill. 
And he who sober seeks his bed to-night 
Must fear the stern displeasure of his lord. 

(Clara comes out of the front door of the inn 

and, unnoticed, runs up the street toward 

the castle.) 

Raimon 

Well said! My good Peire, may you, and I, 
And all the world young-hearted be to-day. 
The joy of life to all! 



CURTAIN 



Act I. Scene II. 



Great Hall of Raimon's castle. Fireplace, left 
centre. A doorway hack of fireplace. Two narrow 
window-slits in right wall, and between these win- 
dows a door. At hack of room is window with per- 
pendicular iron bar. This window is raised two 
steps from floor and has a stone seat around it. 
Walls are hung with armour and weapons of war 
and chase. There are receptacles for torches. At 
the back centre is a long table. The room is Rowing 
with light streaming through the long window. 
GuiDA and Ermengarda enter through right door^ 
dressed as at church. 

Ermengarda 

They passed us not. You are foresworn. 
A snail had passed us at the pace we came. 

GUIDA 

How does it matter ? What is fretting you .? 



Red Wine of Roussillon 45 
Ermengarda 
They're like two mating doves upon a tower. 

GuiDA 

The tower is good. They've nothing to conceal. 
A year ago we heard Ralmon was dead; 
A week it Is since Gui of Carcassone 
Returned from Palestine and told us that 
He saw the count stretched on the fatal field, 
Cleft through the head. What would you more 

than this? 
Should Seremonda shut herself within a tomb.^* 
She is too young. The love she gave her lord 
Was forced from her. 

Ermengarda 
She did not love her lord. 

GUIDA 

What does it matter now the man is dead.? 
{Enter Seremonda and Guilhem) 
Ermengarda 
Where have you been.? 



46 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Seremonda 

We took the forest path. Why do you ask? 
Why should I answer you? 

GUIDA 

Come, aunt, I'll to my tapestry 

'T is time you saw the maids about their work. 
(Exit GuiDA and Ermengarda, the latter 
grumbling and looking over her shoulder. 
Adele enters from door, left rear^ and re- 
moves Seremonda's mantle^ retiring same 
door as entrance. Seremonda goes to a 
'polished shield on wall, which she uses for 
a mirror. Guilhem watches her admiringly. 
Seremonda turns to him with a smile.) 

Seremonda 
The day is good, and scarce an hour is spent. 

Guilhem 
Only one coin gone from our bag of gold. 

Seremonda 
Gold hath no value if it be not spent. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 47 

GUILHEM 

And yet, 

I'd like a miser treasure all the hours, 
And watch them glisten as they slowly slip 
Between my loving fingers, one by one. 

Seremonda 

I'd be a spendthrift with the day 
And buy full value of the "joy of life." 

(Seremonda goes to window and stands 
looking out.) 

GUILHEM 

The sunlight makes a halo of your hair. 

Seremonda 
{Laughing) 
I am no saint. 

GuiLHEM 

Tell me, my lady, whither flies your wish ? 

Seremonda 
Think you my heart has wings? 



48 Red Wine of Roussillon 

GUILHEM 

All hearts have wings, yet some from flight are 

held 
By hateful bars they cannot hope to break. 

Seremonda 

And some are blind like hooded hawks, who cling 
Fast to the falconer's glove. 

GUILHEM 

The falcon hates the hood, yet he must wait 
Until 't is lifted from his blinded eyes. 

Seremonda 

Yet all birds are not falcons, strong of wing; 
Some birds there be who, like the nightingale, 
Are only fit for song. 

GUILHEM 

And others, like the lark, both sing and fly. 
Forever striving toward a distant heaven 
They cannot reach. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 49 
Seremonda 

(Looking into Guilhem's eyes with a smile') 
And yet, some heavens are not too far away. 
(GuiLHEM steps toward her with outstretched 
hand J but she apparently does not notice him 
as she takes seat and looks out of window.) 
I have no wish this morning but to sit 
Here, in this window, and to feel the breeze, 
Fresh from the waves, play with my hair. 

GUILHEM 

The wind is happy; would I were the wind. 

(Seremonda looks at him mockingly.) 

Seremonda 

You are a faint wind, from the dreamy South, — 
A lark who flutters toward a distant heaven, — 
A hooded falcon, held in the demure, — 
A nightingale, his breast against a thorn. 
Though why he hurts himself no one can tell. 
(GuiLHEM starts to speak, but she lifts a warn- 
ing hand.) 
The last suits best and you may sing to me. 



50 Red Wine of Roussillon 

GuiLHEM 

I hope I am at least a lark who mounts 

On valiant wings to heaven. What shall I sing? 

Seremonda 

I care not, just a verse or two, no more, — 
I love the hawk more than the simple lark, — 
A hawk, clear-eyed, unhooded, strong of wing. 

GUILHEM 

There Is a new song that young Arnaut sings 
In praise of Alazais. I am not sure 
I have each word, and of the melody 
There Is, alas, no single note I know. 
One line is beautiful beyond compare, 
And all night long it whispered in my ears. 

(GuiLHEM recites the lines.) 

SONG 

We three, my lady, you and I — and Love, — 

We only know the secret of a treasure 

WTiich blue-eyed Hope alone may weigh and measure. 

There's not its like In blissful heaven above. 

I'll breathe the secret that we know so well — 

My heart is yours — yours mine, and I confess 



Red Wine of Roussillon 51 

I care no other treasure to possess. 

Heaven hath no charms while here on earth we 

dwell, — 
We three, my lady, you and I — and Love. 

{When GuiLHEM finishes^ Seremonda turns 
to him, her face aflame with love.) 

Seremonda 
Guilhem! 

GUILHEM 

My queen. 
(Guilhem falls on his knees and kisses 
Seremonda's hand.) 

Seremonda 
{Lifting Guilhem) 

A dog may kiss my hand. 
(Guilhem kisses Seremonda's cheek.) 

Seremonda 

My cheek is free to every noble guest. 

(Guilhem seizes her in his arms and kisses 
her on the lips passionately.) 



52 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Seremonda 
You are no longer blind? 

GuiLHEM 

At last I look undazzled at the sun. 

Seremonda 
You cannot touch and taste a distant sun. 

(GuiLHEM kisses her again.) 

GUILHEM 

I 've longed for this sweet draught 

As one, dying of thirst, who sees a spring 

Beneath tall palm trees waving o'er the sands. 

Seremonda 

You might have drunk a weary year ago — 
The spring was here and free to take. 

GuiLHEM 

{Trembling) 
There's more than water in that draught. 

Seremonda 

It stirs your pulse ? Sometimes I 've had the fear 
That in your veins there was no ardent blood. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 53 

GUILHEM 

I thought of my good lord, 
My oath of loyalty. That was the cage 
Through whose strong bars I could not break. 
(GuiLHEM leaves the window and paces up 
and down before the fireplace. Seremonda 
follows him and puts her hand on his arm.) 

Seremonda 

Your master and my wicked lord was dead, 
And we were free. My heart was thirsty, too; 
My lips were parched with longing for your kiss. 

GUILHEM 

We had sure news but one short week ago. 
I prayed that he might live. 

Seremonda 

I wished him dead. 
He stole me from the blood-besprinkled church, 
And robbery can give no valid right. 

GUILHEM 

Yet he was good to me. 

And e'en I think he loved you too. 



54 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Seremonda 
He loved red wine as well. 
He loved his sword, his armour and his dog. 
I might have stood the equal of them all 
But the black charger that he rode to war. 

{There is the sound of a distant trumpet. 
GuiLHEM and Seremonda go to window, 
right front.) 

Guilhem 
Who think you summons us? 

Seremonda 
'T is far away. 'T Is naught. 

Guilhem 
Only the horn of Death can frighten us. 
We must be fair to Raimon who has heard 
The fatal trumpet. May he rest in peace. 

Seremonda 
I hope he suffers rightly for his sins. 

Guilhem 
He like an elder brother was to me, 
And in the forest once he saved my life: 



Red Wine of Roussillon 55 

I'd fallen and was faint and weaponless, 
The boar's sharp tusks a hand-breadth from my 
side. 

Seremonda 

Had Raimon been as close to me as you, 
He'd clasped me in his arms a year ago. 

(Seremonda returns to seat at window. 
GuiLHEM makes gesture of appeal, and falls 
on his knees before her. Seremonda re- 
lents and caresses his hair with her hand.) 

Seremonda 

Forgive me, Guilhem; hate me not. 
I love you none the less because my heart 
Hath little honor in it — nought but love. 
Kiss me again. 

{They embrace and kiss.) 

Guilhem 

'T is like a fabled fountain of the East, 
And he who drinks must ever thirst for more. 

Seremonda 
We've come a long and weary road to reach 
This heaven at last. You must be good to me, 



56 Red Wine of Roussillon 

My Guilhem. For until this blessed hour, 

I've had but glimpses of the joy of life. 

Tell me when first love blossomed in your heart? 

Guilhem 
I always loved you — as the lark the sky. 
When Raimon told me ere he went away 
Mv service was to be on you alone, 
I asked no more of heaven. 

Seremonda 
But when changed love to passion — Tell me 
that. 

Guilhem 
Do you remember that soft night In June, 
When we together in this window sat. 
And watched the moon float through the yield- 
ing clouds ? 

Seremonda 
Never shall I forget. 

Guilhem 
You asked me, "If a lady gave to you 
Glances of love, would you dare answer them ? " 



Red Wine of Roussillon 57 

Seremonda 

And you said, "Yes, if I were only sure 
Her looks had truly shown her heart." 

GUILHEM 

And then you gazed at me until I saw 

The moon no more, but only your blue eyes. 

And when you smiled and whispered, "Tell me 

now, 
Is this glance true or false?" I answered then, 
"May all things be as please you best." 

{The trumpet sounds nearer, and Guilhem 

goes to window.) 
A moment sooner — I had seen them pass. 
Now they are hidden by the winding road. 

Seremonda 

What care we who they are? It matters not. 
(Guilhem returns and embraces Sere- 
monda.) 

Guilhem 
Nought matters when I hold you in my arms. 



58 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Seremonda 
'T is good to be alive to-day; 
And yet I never in this window sit 
But to my heart there comes the chill of death. 

{Looks out.) 
See how that blue wave breaks upon the rock, 
And leaves a smother of white foam behind. 
How soft it looks! 

GUILHEM 

'T is soft and pitiless. 
But why comes to you here the chill of death? 

Seremonda 
When Raimon brought me home I was dis- 
traught, 
And tried to throw myself upon the waves. 

Guilhem 
You could not pass between the bars. 

Seremonda 

I had passed through them when he caught my 

arm 
I think I could again. 

(Seremonda climbs swiftly to the window. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 59 

and, passing out, stands smiling through 
the bars at Guilhem. Guilhem springs 
up and seizes her.) 

Guilhem 

For God's sake, have a care! 

(Seremonda returns laughing. Guilhem 

holds her in his arms.) 
You must not play with Death. You're not 

your own. 

Seremonda 

If I am yours, my master, tell me this : — 
What will you do with me? 

Guilhem 

I '11 take you to the priest to-morrow morn. 
We shall be wedded ere the sun is high. 
We'll gallop to my castle in the fields, — 
My little castle with the lilied moat, — 
And there I think you '11 find the joy of life. 

Seremonda 
The joy of life! 



6o Red Wine of Roussillon 

GuiLHEM 

And many happy years we there shall dwell. 
We three, my lady, you and I — and Love. 

(GuiDA rushes in pale and breathless.) 

GUIDA 

Count Raimon lives! 

(GuiLHEM and Seremonda come forward 
hand in hand.) 

GuiLHEM 

Good God! He is not dead? 

Seremonda 
{Fiercely) 

Who says he lives? 

GUIDA 

*T was Clara brought the word. 
He's in the village drinking at the inn. 
Listen! There goes the trumpet at the gate. 
One moment and he's here. What shall we do? 

Seremonda 
We'll kill him as he climbs the stair. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 6i 

GuiDA 

You are distraught; you know not what you say. 

GUILHEM 

O God! what shall we do? 

GuiDA 

Unclasp your hands. Here, Seremonda, stand 
Where you can greet him at his entering. 
I'll place myself between you. 

(Seremonda pushes Guida away.) 

Seremonda 

Not you, not Raimon, not a soul shall stand 
Between myself and Gullhem. 

(Guida makes an appealing gesture, and 
leads Seremonda aside.) 

Guida 

Are you in love with Death? 

{To Guilhem) 
You must pretend your heart is fixed on me. 
Fear not to swear it in necessity. 



62 Red Wine of Roussillon 

GUILHEM 

And would you mock at love? 

GUIDA 

I 'd mock at heaven in a time like this. 

(Enter Raimon, folllowed by Barral and Ber- 
GUEDAN. GuiLHEM tkrozvs Mmself at Rai- 
mon's Jeet.) 

GUILHEM 

My lord! 

(Raimon touches Guilhem on the head.) 

Raimon 

'T is good to see thee, lad. 

(Raimon turns to Seremonda, who screams 
and falls into Guida's arms. The latter 
smiles wanly and says:) 

GUIDA 

'T is but a faint. She took you for a ghost. 
She's overjoyed at your return. 

(Raimon rushes to help Guida. Vidal and 



Red Wine of Roussillon 63 

Barral look zvonderingly from one to an- 
other. Berguedan stands near door with 
cynical smile.) 

Raimon 
Some cordial, quick! How beautiful she is! 



CURTAIN 



Act II 



Act II. Scene I. 



Early morning of the second day. A thick jor est 
with an openings in the centre of which is a huge 
oak, A narrow path, left, rear. There is a spring 
at the left of the tree, near its roots. Into it Vidal is 
looking earnestly. He is on his hands and knees. 
After admiring himself he smiles, ogles, frowns, 
appears now haughty, now entreating, as he prac- 
tices various expressions which may he useful to 
him. Berguedan appears in path, and, catching 
sight of Vidal, watches him with great amusement. 
At a particularly languishing expression, Ber- 
guedan hursts into loud laughter, and comes 
forward. 

Berguedan 

Narcissus at the fountain, by the mass. 

Vidal 

I but glanced In the brook to see my beard; 
'T was vilely trimmed this morning, quite awry. 



68 Red Wine of Roussillon 
Berguedan 

Had I your silly beard, I'd cut it off; 
Had I your foolish face, I'm sure I'd break 
My mirror, and I would not gaze in brooks. 
A murrain on the day! Look at my sleeve. 

ViDAL 

'Tis splashed with blood, and here's an awful 
rent. 

Berguedan 

A boar's tusk did it, and my skin 
'Scaped by a hair's breadth. 

ViDAL 

I'd hunt a safer quarry than the boar. 
My Lady Guida in the garden sits. 
I'll back to her. She is my game. 

Berguedan 

What deadly peril is the fair maid In! 
You should have mercy on her helplessness. 
Watched you her face last night? 



Red Wine of Roussillon 69 

ViDAL 

She did not like your songs. 

Berguedan 
Nor did she smile at you. 

ViDAL 

You did not see the glance she gave to me. 

Berguedan 

I saw her yawn behind her friendly fan 
When you were singing to her tenderly. 

ViDAL 

She yawned not when I climbed to higher C. 

Berguedan 

Climbed, say you, climbed? You tripped and 

fell, 
You were a half-note flat. 

ViDAL 

You lie. I was not flat. 
I '11 wager my gold chain — 



70 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Berguedan 

It Is not yours to wager. Give it me. 
Good brother troubadour, the chain is mine. 
Here's Seremonda's kerchief. You have lost. 
She gave the favour as she pressed my hand. 

ViDAL 

Again you He. She did not give it you. 
I saw you pick it slyly from the floor 
Where she had dropped it when she left the 
room. 

Berguedan 
Your eyes are bright. No one can cozen you. 
Fair Seremonda! What thought you of her? ^ 

ViDAL 

She did not fancy you, my friend. 

Berguedan 
What chance had I with you so close at hand ? 

ViDAL 

When I sang my last song, beginning thus, — 

"Your lover, my beloved, I would be," 

She looked at me as she would read my face. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 71 

Berguedan 
{Laughing) 

She's not a fool to read a vacant page. 

ViDAL 

You'll know who is the fool 

When on my hand I wear your precious ring. 

Berguedan 

It is a man's ring. 'T would not fit a boy. 
Fair Seremonda did not look at you. 

ViDAL 

She was not well; for when she sought her bed 
She scarce could walk, so faint was she. 

Berguedan 

She sat, a statue, carved in pulseless stone. 
Her soul is rent in twain, one half is full 
Of love for Guilhem, and the other half 
Is heavy with the loathing of her lord. 
For Guilhem only had she eyes and ears. 
She did not value us at our true worth. 

(Laughing.) 



72 Red Wine of Roussillon 

ViDAL 

Speak for yourself; 

I'm sure to wear your ring upon my hand. 

Berguedan 

Maybe, Narcissus, but i' faith I think 
The lady hath too good a taste to choose 
The doll-like image of a man like you. 
I think that each of us will keep his own 
Unless we trip young Guilhem. 

ViDAL 

In Seremonda's ear I '11 breathe a word 

Will make her question Guilhem's steadfastness. 

Berguedan 

She would not listen, silly fool. 
I know a way to bring him to the ground. 
I'll drop a seed in Raimon's jealous breast 
Which will grow faster than his famous vine. 
Go back and pose for Guida, 'midst the flowers. 
I'll see the Count alone. He comes here now. 
(Exit ViDAL. Enter Raimon, followed by 
Barral. Raimon's costume is disorderedj 



Red Wine of Roussillon 73 

he is hot and weary and he carries a boar 
spear in his hand, the point red. His hands 
also have blood upon them. He first drinks 
at the brook and then throws himself on the 
ground near Berguedan.) 

Raimon 

By Saint Michael, I scarce can lift my feet. 
I was no hotter when I crossed the sands 
And climbed the rocky hills of Palestine. 
I wish this spring gushed ruddy wine. 

Berguedan 
And so do I. Will Guilhem meet us here? 

Raimon 
Beneath this tree. 

Berguedan 
Loves he to hunt the boar as well as you? 

Raimon 

No huntsman is there in wide Languedoc 
Like Guilhem, and a boar spear in his hand 
Is like a flash of lightning from the sky. 



74 Red Wine of Roussillon 
Berguedan 

I thought him but a singer of sweet songs, 

His only weapons glances of the eye 

To pierce the samite of a rounded breast. 

Raimon 

A troubadour, a huntsman, and a knight, 
He is a comrade stanch beyond compare. 

Berguedan 
Fair ladies would be pleased to comrade him. 

Raimon 

He little cares for wine or ladies' smiles. 
Saint Anthony was not more chaste than he. 

Berguedan 

You know him best — and yet two years have 

passed. 
His songs are good. 

Raimon 

I liked your first song, but the last I thought 
Was better suited to a soldier's camp. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 75 

Berguedan 
I've sung it in a hundred noble halls. 

Raimon 

The ladies favoured Guilhem's. Tell me why? 
They've heard them oft enough to tire. 

Berguedan 

Who can explain a fondness or a taste? 
You like a rose and I a violet. 
Mayhap if I had warbled Guilhem's song, 
And he sung mine, then Seremonda's smile 
Had been transferred from Guilhem's face to 
mine. 

Raimon 

Mayhap. 

Berguedan 
The smile was more for Guilhem than his song. 

Raimon 
What! 

Berguedan 

There is no covert meaning in my words. 
Guilhem and Seremonda are no more 



76 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Than children, who might kiss within a ring 
Of laughing youngsters, with no thought of love, 
No hint of passion and no taint of lust. 

Raimon 
Yet they in truth are man and woman grown. 

Berguedan 

But Guilhem is a saint, like Anthony. 
You said it only now. 

Raimon 

Yes, so I said. — 
And Seremonda is a child, you think. 

Berguedan 

A child in innocence, though in her breast 
There burns the quiet flame of wifely love. 
Remember Guilhem is a troubadour; 
Before his queen of song he bends the knee, 
Devotion, not desire, in his heart. 

Raimon 
Do they in Aragon ? 



Red Wine of Roussillon 'j'j 

Berguedan 
In Aragon and Languedoc as well. 
True, there are recreants. Alas! 't Is true. 

(Berguedan rises?^ 

Raimon 
Alas! say I as well; and must you go.? 

Berguedan 
Indeed, I must, for I would con a song 
That you shall hear to-night. I hope 't will 
please. 

Raimon 

I am no judge of songs. 

{Exit Berguedan, riglfit. For a moment they 
sit in silence; then Raimon looks at Bar- 

RAL.) 

What think you of him, Barral.'' 

(Barral makes sinuous motion with his 
hands.) 
He is a snake .f* 

(Barral nods.) 
What of his words .f* 

(Barral makes motion in front of his mouth 
with fingers.) 



78 Red Wine of Roussillon 

His tongue Is forked? — I' faith, I think you're 

right. 
And there is deadly venom on it too. — 
To hear the names of those I love the best 
Coupled so close did violence to my ears. — 
In Guilhem do I trust against the world, 
Yet he's a creature of warm flesh and blood. 
And Seremonda! — 'faith she'd tempt a saint 
To leave the joys of Paradise. 

(Raimon starts up in -passion.) 
If I thought that their dewy lips had touched 
I'd send them both to hell. 

(Barral makes gesture of appeal. Raimon 

strides up and down stage.) 

I see the flame 
That cursed my bloodshot eyes two years ago. 
Oh ho! Sir Devil, are you back again.'* 

{Crosses himself.) 
I will remember what good Aimar said 
Of him whose soul was garnished and swept 

clean. 

{Crosses himself again.) 
Get thee behind me, Satan! May the saints 
Preserve my soul and keep my heart from 

sin. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 79 
{To Barral) 

Go to the priest and bid him pray for me. 

(Barral nods, smiles approvingly, and 
exits.) 
There's something wrong, I know not what or 

why. 
I'm like a ship which, saiUng through a mist, 
Hears sounds of warning bells, but cannot tell 
From whence they come. 

(Raimon throws himself on grass again.) 

{Enter Guilhem, back, left) 
Guilhem, sit down beside me. 

Guilhem 

You had good sport? 

I see your point is freshly painted red. 

Raimon 
I killed three boars. 

Guilhem 

The same as I. 

One a swine royal. You Ve not lost your skill. 



8o Red Wine of Roussillon 

Though two long years have passed since in your 

hand 
You held the spear. 

Raimon 

Yes, two long years have passed. We both are 

changed. 
I know not which the more. 

GUILHEM 

I'm taller by a hand-breadth, but my heart. 
Hath changed not, nor my love and loyalty. 

Raimon 

How did you come to be a troubadour? 
Two years ago your only thought was war, 
The tourney, and the chase. 

GUILHEM 

I cannot tell whence came the gift of song. 
No more than can the foolish lark who flies 
Up from the meadow towards the arch of blue. 
He, floating, sings he knows not why. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 8i 
Raimon 

Guilhem, so help your God and your good 

faith, 
Have you a lady whom you sing and love ? 

Guilhem 
How could I sing if love impelled me not? 

Raimon 
Who is your lady? 

Guilhem 
Alas, my lord, in God's name, ask me not. 

Raimon 

Why are you loath to answer me? 

Guilhem 

It is not right for me to name my love. 
Bernart of Ventadorn has truly said 
It is a foolish and a childish thing 
To bare the heart to one who cannot help. 



82 Red Wine of Roussillon 
Raimon 

Who cannot help! 

I promise I will help with all my power — 

If she is one you may in honor seek. 

GUILHEM 

I pray you do not question me, my lord. 

Raimon 
You trust me not? 

GUILHEM 

I trust you with my honor and my life. 
It is the first rule of the singer's creed 
To keep his lady's name hid in his breast. — 
(Raimon springs to his feet — catches Guil- 
HEM by the throat.) 

Raimon 

To hell with your sly, whining singer's rules. 
And you shall follow them — the name, I say. 
{He pushes Guiluem from him, who staggers 
hack and falls. Guilhem rises to his feet 
and tears open his bliaut at the throat.) 



Red Wine of Roussillon 83 

GuiLHEM 

I'd rather die than tell the name I love. 
You have a boar spear ready in your hand. 
Here is your mark. 

(Raimon poises the spear as if to strike. 

GuiLHEM faces him without flinching. 

Raimon lets the point of the spear fall to 

the ground.) 

Raimon 

And be forever mocked by silent lips.'' 

I bid you by your oath of loyalty, 

The sacred pledge you gave me as my squire, 

Tell me the name. 

(GuiLHEM makes appealing gesture ^ but 
Raimon is obdurate.) 

GuiLHEM 

Only at your command I speak, my lord. 
'T is gentle Guida that I love. 

Raimon 

Guida! I wish you joy with all my heart. 
A thousand joys I pray may bless you both. 



84 Red Wine of Roussillon 

I'm sure she loves you. Have you kissed her 

yet? 
What can I do to aid you ? Tell me what. 



GuiLHEM 

I fear 't would startle her if I too soon 
Should speak of love. 'T is best to wait. 

Raimon 

I tell you try assault, not lengthened siege. 
Take here my hand and with it take my oath. 
I swear to help you all within my power. 
Let us go now and seek her. 

GUILHEM 

My good lord, let me go alone. 

Raimon 

I'll be your herald, I will act 
As messenger to warn how strong the force 
Encamped against the gateway of her heart. 
She will surrender, that I promise you. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 85 

GUILHEM 

Wait till to-morrow, good my lord. 

Raimon 

I say to-day. What cowards lovers be! 

(Raimon takes Guilhem by the ariUj and 
they exit from right.) 



CURTAIN 



Act II. Scene II. 



The castle garden. Morning of second day. On 
right is the wall of the tower with postern door deep 
set in the masonry. On the left are shrubs with a 
path, front. At the hack is a low wall, and beyond, 
the water of the Mediterranean with sails upon it. 
The garden is full of roses and at the rear is a stone 
house, open front and back, with red-tiled roof. 
Here Guida is seated before a small tapestry frame 
and by her side is a basket of many-coloured 
worsteds. She faces toward the left, and at rear, 
and a little in front of her, is Ermengarda. 

Ermengarda 

'T is near mid-morning, for the dew is gone, 
And Lady Seremonda still abed. 

Guida 
She rose an hour ago. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 87 

Ermengarda 

And slept she well? 

GuiDA 

She scarcely slept at all, but by my side 
She lay all night tossing as if distraught. 
To see one, mourned a long twelvemonth as 

dead. 
Appear as if arisen from the grave, 
Affrighted her so greatly that I feared 
The shock would end in madness, or in death. 

Ermengarda 
Joy does not kill — nor e'en to madness drive. 

Guida 
It does not, she is better now. 

Ermengarda 
And filled with joy to see her lord again? 

Guida 

My sister Seremonda was not won 
By pretty courtesies to melt the heart. 
She was not wooed at all, but wed by force. 



88 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Ermengarda 

Yet did she make her vow. She's Raimon's 
wife. 

GuiDA 

You're right. She had a choice. 'Twas Rai- 
mon's wife, 
Or to be called another name less sweet: 
Her joy is tempered by these memories. 

Ermengarda 

Tempered by memories! and by hopes as well, 
Which have been blasted by a sudden frost. 
My eyes are old, but not too blind to see. 

GuiDA 

My sister to her lord is leal and true. 
She'll give him all the love that he deserves, 
If he be patient with her now. 

Ermengarda 

Patience! I know a quicker cure than that, 
And were I Raimon I would give it her. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 89 

{Enter Vidal, zvho struts to and fro across the 
garden^ front) 

GuiDA 

Raimon will do no wrong, 
Unless into his ear some meddler pours 
The subtle poison of a slanderous tongue: — 
What think you of the little troubadour? 

Ermengarda 
{Scornfully) 
He is a peacock. If he had a tail 
How proud he'd be to spread it in the sun. 

GuiDA 
He's harmless, quite. 

Ermengarda 

I 'm not so sure of that. 

Heard you how he was treated in Saint Gilles.'* 

GuiDA 
Tell me the tale. 



90 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Ermengarda 
He boasted of a lady's love for him. 
And told of favours granted without stint; 
The husband heard of it and slit his tongue. 

GuiDA 
He was well served. 

(Ermengarda rises with difficulty.) 

Ermengarda 
Well, I must see the maids are at their work. — 
{Turning on Guida and shaking her finger 
at her.) 
I know not what you mean by "slanderous 

tongue"; 
But tell you this, my Lady Circumspect, 
That there is one whose lips cannot be sealed. 
One who keeps silent while she is in doubt. 
But will not fear to tell the proven truth. 

{Exit Ermengarda with a look of defiance 
at Guida. Vidal approaches Guida, who 
occupies herself with her work.) 

Vidal 
Working so patiently here in the sun! 
I fear you'll spoil your eyes, fair demoiselle. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 91 

GuiDA 

(Coldly) 
The eyes are mine to mar them if I will. 

ViDAL 

Better the sun's eclipse than they grow dim. 
And may I see the picture that you weave 
With your white fingers ? 

GuiDA 

You have the fairer side. 

ViDAL 

With the loose worsteds dangling all awry? 

GuiDA 

It is the fairer side. 

(ViDAL looks over Guida's shoulder.) 

ViDAL 

Indeed, you wrong your skill. You weave the 

flight 
Into far Egypt of the Holy Child. 



92 Red Wine of Roussillon 

GUIDA 

Because you see the flapping ears so plain? 
It may be Christ entering Jerusalem — 
Or Balaam and his ass. 

ViDAL 

{Reproachfully) 

You are unkind. 

{Enter Berguedan) 

Berguedan 

I pray you, lady, be not harsh to him. 
He has a poet's soul; an unkind word 
Will hurt him more than would a blow 
A man of sterner stuff. 

GuiDA 

And some there be who have such callous skins 
They need an oaken cudgel. Chiding words 
Are wasted on a donkey's hide. 

ViDAL 

Thank you, my lady. He but tells the truth. 
I fear your frown more than a blow from him. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 93 

I hope to win a smile from you to-night. 

I have a song I've written in your praise 

Which I would finish carefully. 

I shall despair unless it please you well. 

(ViDAL bows with great deference again and 
again on taking his departure, and Ber- 
GUEDAN moves the basket of worsteds so 
that ViDAL trips over it and nearly falls.) 

ViDAL 

What have I done.'' 

GuiDA 

You Ve mixed my worsteds. It will take an hour 
To sort the tangled threads. 

Berguedan 
Faith! You are clumsy for a carpet knight. 

ViDAL 

Alas! what dreadful havoc have I wrought! 
Of all things do I hate to tangle threads. 
The peasants say it is a sign of woe — 



94 Red Wine of Roussillon 

The omen holds not good to one so fair, 

So virtuous and discreet. 

(ViDAL exits through the little door at right. 
Berguedan helps Guida sort the tangled 
worsteds. Raimon and Guilhem appear 
in path, left, front. Raimon leaves Guil- 
hem and approaches Guida and Bergue- 
dan, who look up at sound of his feet.) 

Raimon 
{To Berguedan) 

Your sleeve is stained with blood. 
You should go wash it ere it dries. 

(Berguedan rises at Raimon's hint.) 

Berguedan 

Forgive me, lady. Though I 'scaped the boar 
I have a wound no medicine can heal. 

(Berguedan hows, his hand on his hearty and 
exits through postern door.) 

Guida 

What make you of this man of Aragon? 
I think he is a snake. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 95 

Raimon 

Why, so says Barral too. To-morrow night 
The Spaniard spends with us, then takes his 

leave. 
Let us forget him, for the day is good. 

GuiDA 

No day is good when he is in our sight. 

Raimon 

He's gone. We'll talk of pleasanter things. — 
Sweet sister, such a pretty maid as you 
Must have a lover — mayhap two — or three. 

GUIDA 

One lover is enough for virtuous maids. 

Raimon 

And how far has advanced this happy youth? 
Has pressed your hand? Has kissed your frag- 
rant lips? 

GuiDA 
He's breathed no word of love to me. 



96 Red Wine of Roussillon 
Raimon 

'T is only glances, then. The sails are spread, 
Yet you've not passed outside the harbour 

mouth. 
I' faith, you need a sturdy helping oar, 
Or you will never reach the port of love. 
Tell me his name? 

GuiDA 
I will not. 

Raimon 
I '11 throw these worsteds in the sea. 

GuiDA 

Throw them. I will not tell. 

Raimon 
If I should guess his name, will you confess ^ 

Guida 
Perhaps. 

Raimon 
'T is Guilhem, then. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 97 

GUIDA 

Perhaps. 

Raimon 

The poor lad waits 
Behind the hawthorn. I '11 go fetch him here. 

GuiDA 

You shall not. I should die of shame. 

(GuiDA covers her face with her hands.) 

Raimon 

I '11 send him to you with a gentle hint, — 
The faintest hint that you'll not prove unkind. 
(Raimon joins Guilhem behind the haw- 
thorn^ pats him on the hack, and Guilhem 
crosses the garden to Guida.) 

GuiDA 

{Whispers) 

What's in the air.'' 

Guilhem 
{Whispers) 

I think a shadow of the wing of Death. 



98 Red Wine of Roussillon 

GuiDA 

{Whispers) 
Has Raimon grown suspicious? Tell me quick! 

GUILHEM 

(Whispers) 

He's driven me to such desperate straits 
That I was forced to say 't was you I loved. 
Remember, so you bade me yesterday. 
The lie came not too glibly from my throat. 

GuiDA 

(Whispers) 

There was no other way. 

And we must play our parts. Take here my 
hand. 

Perhaps he watches from the hawthorn hedge. 

Down on your knees before me. 

{Gvi'lhem falls on his knees. At this moment 
Raimon appears, left, front, with Sere- 
MONDA behind him, to whom he points out 
GuiLHEM and Guida; then exits, laugh- 
ing happily. Guida caresses Guilhem's 
bowed head, lifts him up, and draws his 



Red Wine of Roussillon 99 

lips down to her. Seremonda crosses 
garden and stands before them, too angry to 
speak.) 

GUIDA 

Has Raimon gone? 

Seremonda 
Raimon has gone — but I am here. 

GuiDA 

He was suspicious. We were forced to act 
As if we loved each other. Well you know 
Our thought was but for you. 

Seremonda 

'T is very pretty — as if learned by rote. 
Yet, good my sweet, I think the part you played 
Was not distasteful to you, and his kiss 
You drunk right thirstily. Go, get you gone. 
Go! ere I strike you. I would speak alone 
With this, the other actor in the play. 

{Exit Guida, silently protesting.) 



100 Red Wine of Roussillon 
Seremonda 

I know you have no other thought but me. — 
I'm not so sure of her. What shall we do? 

GUILHEM 

What can we do? 

Seremonda 

I care not what if it but set me free. 

I cannot bear to live a long deceit. 

I cannot bear his kisses on my lips. 

I never loved him, and I loathe him now. 

Come, take me with you far across the sea, 

I care not where, if you are by my side. 

GUILHEM 

Good God, I cannot! Traitor to my lord 
I cannot prove. 

Seremonda 

Give him his chance. Tell the whole truth to 

him. 
Meet him in armour wheresoe'er he choose. 



Red Wine of Roussillon ioi 

GUILHEM 

I fear him not, 

Though he's a strong man, and with sword and 

lance 
There is no abler knight in Languedoc. 

Seremonda 
You 're quicker far. 

He's not the man he was: his sufferings 
In Palestine have sapped his youthful strength. 
You'd surely kill him, and then you and I 
Could gallop to your castle in the fields, 
Your little castle with its lilied moat. 
And there I know I 'd find the joy of life. 

GUILHEM 

We three together — you and I — and Love. 

Seremonda 
Yes — you and I — and Love. 

(GuiLHEM takes her in his arms for a moment 
only.) 

GUILHEM 

This morning when we hunted the wild boar, 
Raimon was wearied in a single hour — 



102 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Seremonda 

I tell you he Is just as sure to die, 
If he cross swords with you on equal ground, 
As If you filled his cup with deadly drug. 
And yet you '11 have no sin upon your soul. 

GUILHEM 

"No sin upon my soul!" 

Seremonda 
You meet the man with weapons In his hands. 

GUILHEM 

He Is not strong. 

And he has spent his strength In holy war — 

{A long pause.) 
I cannot take advantage of him thus. 
Good God! I cannot. 

Seremonda 

And yet you say you love me more than life. 
Must I drag through the weary, hopeless years 
By Ralmon's side, whose very touch I loathe? 



Red Wine of Roussillon 103 

Must I look on while you and Gulda play 
Your charming comedy before my eyes? 
This very moment all the castle rings 
With news that you and she are bound in love. 
The thought of it is gall; the sight was hell. 

GuiLHEM 

I pray you spare me. 

Seremonda 

{Speaking very slowly) 

Listen to every lightest word I speak : — 
To-night when we are gathered in the hall 
My praises shall you sing so openly 
That Raimon and the whole world shall know 
You love me only. 

GuiLHEM 

It means my death — perhaps your death as 
well. 

Seremonda 

My death! Your death as well! 

What care I? Think you life a precious thing .f" 



104 I^ED Wine of Roussillon 

But yestermorn my cup of bliss was full — 
We three together — you and I — and Love. 
To-day 1 O God, why did you let him live ! — 

{Exit Seremonda.) 



CURTAIN 



Act III 



Act III. Scene I. 



The tiring-room, evening of second day. The 
room is small, with one narrow window on left. In 
the corner is a prie-dieu with small crucifix. A 
large chest at the hack with the lid lifted, and gar- 
ments of different colors scattered about. A dressing- 
table with a dagger and a jewel-box on it beneath 
window at left. Before the table is Seremonda 
sitting in chair. Adele, the tire-maiden, is putting 
ribbons in Seremonda's hair, two long braids. 
Water-clock at back of room. 

Adele 
What will my lady wear to-night? 

Seremonda 
I do not care. 

Adele 

This violet robe is very beautiful. 
'T is of Damascus silk. 



io8 Red Wine of Roussillon 

This crimson I am sure will please your lord. 
He likes bright colours passing well. 

Seremonda 
It is too brilliant. 

Adele 
This white robe, then.'* 

Seremonda 

'T is much too young for me; 't would suit a 

maid 
Who takes her first communion, or a bride, — 
'T would only fit me for my burial. 

Adele 
I pray you, my sweet lady, talk not so. 
You're scarce eighteen, and white becomes you 
well. 

Seremonda 
I feel so old to-night. 
The garments of a dowager threescore. 
Would suit me best. 

Adele 
The day has wearied you. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 109 

Seremonda 
The very soul of me is enervate to-night. 

Adele 
Why, then, you should to bed. 

Seremonda 

I'll not to bed. 

Adele 

Here is the blue which young Lord Guilhem said 
Was just the colour of your eyes. 

Seremonda 
My eyes are darker, much. 

Adele 

Sometimes, my lady. They are dark to-night. 
When you are merry, then I truly think 
They match this colour perfectly. 

Seremonda 
Choose what you will; I said I did not care. 



no Red Wine of Roussillon 

Adele 
The crimson, then, to please your lord. 

(Seremonda rises, and Adele is about to 
slip the robe over Seremonda's head when 
the latter starts back with a shudder.) 

Seremonda 
It is the hue of blood, blood freshly shed. 

Adele 
You wore it yesterweek. 

Seremonda 
Take it away. I'll wear the blue to-night. 

(Adele -puts on the blue robe and a jewelled 
girdle, after which Seremonda reseats 
herself in chair.) 

Adele 
Will this rose garland suit, 
Or will you wear a fillet in your hair.? 

Seremonda 
The circlet of red gold. 

(Adele adjusts the circlet.) 
'T Is crooked. Put it straight. 



Red Wine of Roussillon hi 

{Enter Guida) 

Adele 
{To Guida) 

Is not my lady beautiful to-night? 
A shade too pale? 

(7*0 Seremonda.) 

Wilt have a touch of red ? 

Seremonda 
No, nothing more to-night. And you may go. 

Adele 
Art sure, my lady? 

Seremonda 
Go. 

{Exit Adele. Seremonda sits with clasped 
hands in her lap. She does not turn to look 
at Guida.) 

Guida 

We have a scant five minutes, barely five. 
When the last drop of water in the clock 
Has dripped away, the hour of fate will come. 
I pray you bid him sing no song to-night. 



112 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Seremonda 
You cannot change me. 

GuiDA 

Nor can I move him, though I begged with tears. 
He says he waits your sign. 

Seremonda 

He needs no signal. He will understand, 
The moment that he looks upon my face, 
And he will sing a song of love to me. 
So plainly will he sing that all the world 
Will know I hold his heart within this hand. 

GuiDA 

I'm sure that at the moment you'll relent. 
So I have bade him wait until you make 
Some sign so plain there can be no mistake. 
You cannot give the signal for his death. 

Seremonda 

I cannot! Look you at this amber fan. 
I'll drop it on the floor. Then he shall sing. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 113 

GUIDA 

But it might from your careless fingers slip. 

Seremonda 
I'll break it in my hand. 

GuiDA 

The fan is priceless. 

Seremonda 
(Laughing) 

And so Is Gullhem's life. We're trivial all, 
We women, even in the face of death. 

GuiDA 
Oh, my sweet sister, think while yet there's time. 

Seremonda 
Think, say you! By your side last night I lay; 
I did not sleep. I thought of many things — 
So many weary things — until the dawn. 
And only this was settled in my mind. 
I would not live with Raimon — I could not. 
The years spread out before me like the sea. 



114 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Each day a lie, each moment a deceit, 
Each night a dream of hell. 

GuiDA 

But other wives have lived who had no love 
To give their lords. 

Seremonda 
They have, I've seen them smile. 

GUIDA 

Choose you some other way. 

{Wringing her hands.) 

Seremonda 

At first I thought with Guilhem I might fly. 
But he would not. O God, why give him both 
A conscience and a heart aflame with love.? 
Then I proposed that Guilhem boldly speak 
And leave the issue to the judgment sword. 
At first he would, but at the last said no. 

GUIDA 

Yet he may change his mind. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 115 

Seremonda 

He will not change. 
I tell you Raimon or myself must die, 
And I would kill him with this slender blade 

( Takes jewelled dagger from table,) 
Were I not sure I'd also kill the love 
That Guilhem bears me with the selfsame blow. — 
I cannot kill myself — at least not yet. 

GuiDA 
Oh, Seremonda, do not talk like that. 

Seremonda 

I think the song will cut the Gordian knot. 
In Guilhem's heart there is no taint of fear, 
And he may fight when Raimon strikes at him: 
I 'm sure he would if Raimon struck at me. — 
At best Raimon is dead; and at the worst, 
Guilhem and I die on the selfsame night, 
And take the selfsame path to heaven or hell, 
Together, hand in hand. 

GuiDA 
My sister, you are mad — the bride of Death. 



ii6 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Seremonda 
I'd rather I were his than Raimon's wife. 

GuiDA 

But why drag Guilhem with you? 

Seremonda 

Why? Then he cannot hold you In his arms, 
Nor kiss you on the lips. His will be cold. 
I know you love him passing well. 

GUIDA 

'T is false. 
Seremonda 

I say you love him. Did you like his kiss? 
See how you blush, your cheek is like the rose. 

GuiDA 

Why should I lie to you? 

Seremonda 
We all are liars — we who love. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 117 

GUIDA 

I am not. I will tell the truth to you. 

If you should say I'll hold me to my lord, 

Gullhem is free to love you if he will. 

Then if he kissed me once again, but once — 

The hot insurgent blood would seize the heart 

That is so loyal to you. As it is, 

I am your sister and his faithful friend. — 

I have not begged you that you give him me. 

Seremonda 

Give him to you ! I 'd rather he were dead, 
And you and I and all the world were cold. — 
I say that he shall sing the song to-night. 

GuiDA 
( Tearfully) 
So thus It ends. 

Since you first learned to walk, your baby steps 
Were wayward. Wilful were you, and my task 
To watch in fear and guard you 'gainst a fall. 
You now are grown a woman, and the path 
You take to-night will lead you to a steep 
From which the fall is death. 



ii8 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Seremonda 
I cannot help it. Fate has driven me on. 

{Suddenly melting and holding out her arms.) 
Give me one kiss, and say you love me still. 
(GuiDA hursts into tears, falls on her knees, 
and puts her hand on Seremonda's 
shoulder, who holds her in her arms.) 

GUIDA 

I need not tell you what you know so well. 
Oh, little sister, listen to me now. 

Seremonda 
Do you remember, very long ago. 
When we were children, and upon the beach 
I raised a wondrous tower of sand? 

GuiDA 
Yes, I remember. 

Seremonda 
You warned me it was built too near the waves. 
But I was wilful and would have my way. 

GUIDA 

Yes, you would have your way. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 119 

Seremonda 

I've built another castle, and to-night 
You warn me, wilful still, against a wave 
Which shall sweep in and wreck my tower wall. 
Again I heed you not. I 'm wilful still. 

GuiDA 
Be a good child to-night. 

Seremonda 

Your warm tears melt the ice around my heart, 
And yet, e'en now I cannot promise you. 
I know not which uncertain path to take. 

{The clangor of beaten metal is heard from the 
hall and Seremonda rises. When she 
reaches the door she pauses as if uncertain 
and embraces Guida.) 
May all good saints befriend me in my need! 
Kiss me again. If e'er I win to heaven 
By God's good grace, I'll find no saint like you. 
{Exit Seremonda and Guida.) 

CURTAIN 



Act III. Scene II. 



Hall of castle. Evening of second day. Supper 
is over. At the far left, near chimney side, facing 
front, sits Raimon on a high chair. Next to him 
is Seremonda on chair zvith footstool. There is a 
crescent of cushions on the floor, and at right of 
Seremonda is one placed on which no one sits. 
Then comes Ermengarda on chair, a vacant 
space, and Guida seated on cushion. Close to her 
on her right is Berguedan stretched full length 
on floor. Next is Vidal seated on cushion, and at 
extreme right is Aimar on a high chair by the 
chimney-side. Barral is pouring wine into cup 
on small table at left of Raimon. Guilhem is 
pacing to and fro on right of stage. All tables 
cleared but one on right, where sit Amfos and 
Audiart drinking wine. 

Raimon 

This is the evening hour I love the best. ' ^\ 
Food we must eat Hke oxen and like dogs, 
But wine brings us the very joy of life. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 121 

Seremonda 
The joy of life from wine? 

Raimon 

Wine spurs dull wits and loosens sluggish 

tongues. 
Even good Barral here could talk again 
If he would drink enough Roussillon wine. 

(Barral makes sign of protest.) 

AlMAR 

I pray you, Raimon, drink no more to-night. 

Raimon 

May good Saint Bacchus never smile on me 
If I go sober to my bed to-night. 

AlMAR 

Your Bacchus is no saint. 

Raimon 

He should be, then. They're many with less 
right. 



122 Red Wine of Roussillon 
Ermengarda 

"Wine spurs dull wits and loosens sluggish 

tongues"; 
And sometimes, too, it lets the devil loose, 
As well we women of Roussillon know. 
Your father — 

Raimon 

My father's settled for his sins ere this. 
To-night my page is clean: ask Aimar there. 
'T will stand a few pen scratches, and a charge 
Of "too much wine" is not a heavy sin. 

Aimar 
All sin is heavy, my good lord. 

Raimon 

At Aix I met the Monk of Montaudon, 

Your brother in the Church, and with him drank 

Enough red wine to float a ship at sea. 

ViDAL 

I 'm sure It was the monk put you to bed. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 123 
Raimon 

I know not which fell 'neath the table first. 
But when, next day, I woke him from his sleep, 
No single word of penitence he spoke. — 
So drunkenness must be a venial sin. 
To-night my heart is merry, and I beg 
You all to join with me in revelry. 

Berguedan 
Right gladly will we drink you cup for cup. 

Raimon 

Hear you that, Guilhem? Come and join the 

ring. 
There's a sad gap by Guida you should fill 

(laughing). 
But not a drop of wine for you to-night, 
Your spirits are already in the clouds. 

(Guilhem sits between Guida and Ermen- 

GARDA.) 

ViDAL 

He cannot fill himself with wine and sing. 



124 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Raimon 
That's why I never ope' my mouth in song. 
I'd rather drink. {Laughs.) 

Ermengarda 

A song to break your never-ending rank 
Of marching flagons would not come amiss. 

Raimon 

Another chiding word, my gracious aunt, 
And I will sing to you. 

{To Berguedan.) 

My voice is like 
The squat green bird's who warbles in the 

marsh. — 
'T is too near supper for you troubadours. 
Those lusty villains in the corner there 
Shall cheer us with their antics for a while. — 
Here you, in motley clad, what can you do? 

(Audiart comes before the fire.) 

AUDIART 

I can do this, my lord — can you ? 

{Turns handspring.) 



Red Wine of Roussillon 125 

Raimon 

(Laughing) 
I could have done its like ten years ago, 
But now, alas, my joints are stiff from war. 
I have a supple elbow, that is all. 

(He drinks from tankard with exaggerated 
twist of arm.) 
Well, what more can you do? 

AUDIART 

This, my good lord. 

(AuDiART turns repeated handsprings inside 
the circle.) 

Raimon 

The last was better — show me of your best. 
(AuDiART performs several difficult feats. 
Coins are thrown on the floor which 
AuDiART picks up, and then he bows and 
returns to the table and flagon.) 

Berguedan 
He is a nimble villain, by my faith. 



126 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Raimon 

Now, Amfos, show us of your mysteries . 

I swear you learned them in the devil's school. 

Amfos 

I was his aptest pupil, good my lord. 

I have some fire of hell now in my sleeve. 

(Amfos draws fire from sleeve. Exclama- 
tions of astonishment,) 

Raimon 

I wonder could I learn 

To light a camp-fire on a rainy night.? 

Amfos 
Go to my master — he will teach you how. 

Raimon 
{Pretending anger) 

"Go to the devil," say you to my face? 
I'll have you whipped. 

(Amfos performs with glass halls.) 

ViDAL 

IVe seen fair ladies toss men's hearts like that. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 127 
Ermengarda 
An easy task — they're lighter than the balls. 

Seremonda 
And will not break. 

Raimon 

My lady, why speak you so bitterly? 
What know you of men's hearts.^ 

Seremonda 

What I have conned in books, no more. 
I found the study dull and wearisome. 

Ermengarda 

And never put your learning to good use, 
With gallant youths about? 

Seremonda 
I dared not. You were always watching me. 

Ermengarda 
{Furiously) 
I watching you ! 



128 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Raimon 

{Interrupting) 

Dear aunt, frown not, she only juggles words. 
Come, Amfos, one more trick. 

Amfos 

My good lord, will you loan to me a coin."* 
I can succeed with silver, but 't is best 
If done with gold. 

Raimon 
{To Barral) 

Give him a silver coin and watch it well. 

(Barral tosses Amfos a silver coin which he 
catches. He pretends to swallow it, and pro- 
duces it from his ear. He puts it in his 
sleeve J and takes it from his shoe. He tosses 
it in the air. It disappears. He calls to it, 
and pretends to catch it in his hand. He 
tosses it again, calls to it repeatedly, and 
turns to Raimon.) 

Amfos 
Alas, good Count, my magic is at fault. 
I cannot give you back your coin. It's gone. 
'T is difficult with silver, as I said. 



Red Wine of RouIssillon 129 

Ra€^on 

{Laughing) 

I've seen the trick before, and kept my gold. 

You are the dupe, not I. 

{They throw coins to Amfos, and he bows and 
returns to the table and flagon. All the time 
Raimon is drinking, and shows more and 
more the influence of his potations.) 

Ermengarda 
He has an impish look upon his face. 
I think it was no joke where he was schooled. 

AlMAR 

And hell is not a joke. 

AUDIART 

There is a man below who has a bear; 
He is from Italy. 

Raimon 
Which, man or bear? 

Ermengarda 
I care not. To this hall he does not come, 
Or I'm to bed. I'll not be food for bears. 



130 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Raimon 

Fear not, my worthy aunt. He'll not touch you, 
Or he's no judge of meat. He hath an eye 
On Guida, who is tenderer by far. 

{To Guilhem) 
She is a juicy morsel, is she not? 
And you could eat her, though you are no bear. 

{Laughs.) 

Ermengarda 

It frets me not that Guida is his choice. 
I'm food for neither man nor bear. 

Raimon 

Well, gentle aunt, the bear shall stay below. 

{To Berguedan) 
And we will listen to the lark from Spain — 
Or nightingale, whichever suits him best. 
Then we will hear from Vidal if he please. 
And last from Guilhem, if he have the strength, 
To tear himself away from Guida's side. 

Berguedan 

My good lord, I will do my best. Although 
By better singers, I must meet eclipse, 



Red Wine of Roussillon 131 

My voice is good enough to start withal; 
And, like the wise lord of the Cana feast, 
You save the best wine for the last. 

Raimon 
You all are good, I know not which is best. 
I am a better judge of wine than song. 

Berguedan 

I wish that you would hear from Vidal first: 
He did not eat as much as I. 

Vidal 

I did not; and I think no one 

Could rival him — unless it be the bear. 

My voice is not its best, yet I will sing. 

(Vidal rises from the cushion and takes his 
place in front of the fire.) 

Raimon 

At Beziers they told me of a song 
In which you praised your prowess in the field, 
And told Sir Dragoman of knightly feats 
You could perform with level lance in rest. — 
You only lacked the horse you begged of him. 



132 Red Wine of Roussillon 

ViDAL 

{Haughtily) 

My patrons shower costly gifts on me 

To please themselves and for their own fair 

fame. — 
I do not beg. 

Raimon 

I beg your pardon for my shabby word. 
I beg you, sir, most humbly for a song. 

{They all applaud Raimon's assumed hu- 
mility.) 

ViDAL 

I sometimes use an awkward word myself: 
The song is good, and I will give it you; 
But first I'll sing a beauteous lady's praise, 
New writ to-day. 

GuiDA 

I'm sick of love-songs. Sing of war. 

Raimon 

"War," say you, my sweet sister, and to-night? 
Well, Vidal, 't is her choice, we wait for you. 
(ViDAL gives GuiDA a glance of mingled re- 



Red Wine of Roussillon 133 

proach and adoration. He sings with many 
gestures and with great affectation.) 

ViDAL 

Sir Dragoman, had I a goodly steed, 
Soon should my enemies for mercy plead; 
For even when they hear my whispered name, 
They fear me more than quail the falcon's greed; 
So widespread my renown, so great my fame. 

When I have donned my glittering coat of mail, 
And girt my sword, Hugh's gift that cannot fail. 
Whither I go, the earth doth shake with fear* 
No foes I meet that do not 'fore me pale, 
And yield me place; nought doth their pride avail, 
So great their terror when my step they hear. 

Of chivalry and love I am the flower. 
Bravest among the brave — in lady's bower 
Is none more courteous and more debonnaire, 
Nor in the battle-field of greater power; 
So that my enemies in terror cower 
At thought of me. None to confront me dare. 

{All applaud heartily and Vidal hows his 
acknowledgment.) 

Raimon 
What man is this 1 He cleaves a helm 
And breaks a woman's heart with equal skill. 



134 Red Wine of Roussillon 

What havoc he must work in poor Provence. 
I'd hate to pluck his beard. 

Ermengarda 

I 'd match a kitchen wench against the man. 
I have a maid who'd beat him with her broom. 

Raimon 

Now, Berguedan, it is your turn. 

(ViDAL takes his seat, and Berguedan rises. 
His story is accompanied by notes from the 
lute.) 

Berguedan 

The Lord Saint Leidier was a troubadour. 
Young was he, brave and strong and debonnaire. 
He loved the fair wife of rich Polignac, 
And Bellisenda was the lady's name. 

Raimon 

The same old characters; we know them well. 
A lady — lover — and her jealous lord. 

Berguedan 

The lady liked Saint Leidier passing well, 
But not too well to walk the path discreet. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 135 

He sang to her; he gazed into her eyes; 

He held her hand — and kissed it — that was all. 

Ermengarda 
I like her not. I know she did not keep 
The proper path. 

AlMAR 

The path to heaven is narrow. Few there be 
Who find it, searching with an honest heart. 

Berguedan 

Patient was young Saint Leidier, but, at last, 
He grew insistent that the lady grant 
Some favour warmer than a cold white hand. 
He kissed her lips, she making sham defence, 
And shamming anger, as fair ladies do. 
And have, and will, until the world is dead. 

GUIDA 

And are there any ladies leal and true 
And loyal to their lords ? 

Berguedan 

There may be — one or two. 

(GuiDA makes gesture of protest.) 

This lady swore she would not grant her love — 
Unless the Count, her husband, bade her yield. 



136 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Ermengarda 
She should be safe in that. 

Berguedan 

The Count was named HeracHus; and he 
Was strong, and dark and violent. 
The last to be complacent to a wife 
Who trod the primrose path with careless feet. 
But young Saint Leidier would not woo despair: 
He climbed the hill to Polignac one day, 
And, entering the castle, met its lord, 
And greeted him, a smile upon his face. 

Raimon 
Had I been there I 'd spoilt his smiling face. 

Berguedan 

"How now, Saint Leidier?" asked the surly Count; 
"Has laughter come to you at early dawn? 
Some fair dame has been kind to you I swear." 
"Ah, my good Count," said Leidier, "I win 
Love favours slowly and with toil and pain. 
My lady swears she'll none of me, unless — 
Her selfish husband bid her acquiesce." 

GuiDA 
A selfish husband not to share his wife ? 



Red Wine of Roussillon 137 

Berguedan 

When Leidier told him this, the Count laughed long. 
"You're beaten. Go seek solace where you may." 
"Not yet," said Leidier. "I'm not beaten yet. 
The husband likes to sing; I make his songs: 
He loves to sing them to his pretty wife. 
I've written one which bids her pliant be. 
She'll think her lord has given his consent, 
Or, if she understand, she still will yield 
In hot resentment at his foolishness." 

Ermengarda 
What said HeracHus to this ? 

Berguedan 

"A good plot, by Our Lady!" cried the Count. 
"A merry song. I bid you teach it me." 

Raimon 
And did he teach him.? 

Berguedan 

The Count of Polignac, he learned the song, 
And sang it to his wife, whom Leidier loved. 
Listen, and I will sing it to you now: — 



138 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Fair lady, I am sent to you, — 

'T will all be plain ere I am done, — 

To greet you on behalf of one 

Whose love for you supports and cheers. 

And, lady, you need have no fears; 

False messenger between you two 

He ne'er will be that sings here now. 

Whoever else may plead and woo, 
All other loves I pray you shun. 
Each day he shines the more, and none 
Seems worth a thought when he appears. 
So when toward love your fancy veers, 
Love him, I beg, and warmly, too, — 
No lady should reject his vow. 

By this fair knight — I know not who — 

Refuse no longer to be won. 

For my sake be not such a nun; 

But gain the love that perseveres, 

In peace and concord through the years, 

What I advise 't is best you do. 

Fear not, I order and allow. 

AlMAR 

It was a wicked plot. 

GuiDA 

How did it end.^ 



Red Wine of Roussillon 139 
Ermengarda 

It ended as such stories always end, 

Or Berguedan had picked some other tale 

To poison us withal. 

Berguedan 
Their love continued many happy years, 
And many perfect songs he sang to her. 
Until — 

Raimon 

Until the Count discovered them, one day. 
And, with a dagger 'twixt the lover's ribs. 
Cut all the music from his artist soul 
As one might slit a viol's sounding-board. 

Berguedan 
He was not caught, my lord. 

Raimon 

Why do they give the lover all the wits, 
The husband addled brains.'' 

Guida 

I wonder why.'' 



140 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Ermengarda 
I grant you this, my ribald troubadour. 
I never heard a story better told. 

Raimon 
We're debtors all. 

Now, Guilhem, sing to us, and then to bed. 
You all are drunk. I fear the winding stairs 
Will play strange antics with your stumbling feet. 
(Guilhem rises and looks at Seremonda 
enquiringly, but she makes no sign.) 

Guilhem 
What shall I sing."* {Another long silence.) 

Raimon 
Sing what you will; — I think your hand is 

caught 
In Guida's girdle. — Fie upon you, man. 

(GuiDA looks at Seremonda entreatingly. 
Seremonda and Guilhem look into each 
other'' s eyes. Seremonda breaks Jan.) 

GuiDA 

May God preserve and save us all! 



Red Wine of Roussillon 141 

Ermengarda 

Truth! You are careless. Broken straight 

across. 
The fan is priceless. For a hundred years 
It's wafted perfumed breezes in this hall. 

Raimon 
It's but a fan. Come, Guilhem, sing. 

GUILHEM 

What says my lady? 

Seremonda 
Sing. 

(Guilhem looks at Seremonda, not Guida, 
as he sings. Count Raimon looks wonder- 
ingly at Guilhem, Guida, and Sere- 
monda, his face growing flushed and black.) 

Guilhem 

The very day one glimpse of you I caught, 
When God was pleased to let me see your face. 
My heart took leave of every other thought, 
And every wish — except for you — gave place. 



142 Red Wine of Roussillon 

At first my soul with reverence was fraught: 
I worshipped from afar your wondrous grace. 
Your hair a golden halo, heaven-wrought, 
Your eyes were stars, beaming in distant space. 

But now the joy of love to you I've taught: 
Your lips I kiss, your body I embrace: 
Your very soul is mine. The world is nought: 
Life cannot hide our love, nor Death efface. 

{When GuiLHEM finishes, Raimon's anger 
bursts into flame. He utters an inarticulate 
oath, and draws the dagger from his girdle. 
He strikes at Guilhem, but Barral throws 
himself in front of Guilhem, and the blade 
enters Barral's shoulder. Barral falls 
into Berguedan's arms. Raimon is about 
to spring at Guilhem again when Aimar 
comes between them, the crucifix held high 
above his head.) 

Aimar 
Beware the wrath of God! 
Dare not again the anger of his Church! 

(Raimon staggers back into his chair, the 
dagger clattering on the floor. All gather 
around Barral.) 



Red Wine of Roussillon 143 

GUILHEM 

Why did you risk you life for me? 

GuiDA 

Is he much hurt? 

Seremonda 
For God's sake, say he will not die! 

Berguedan 
The blade stopped at the bone. He will not die. 

ViDAL 

God! How he bleeds. 

(GuiDA brings cloth from table, and with it 
Berguedan staunches Barral's wound. 
Seremonda steps back, and Guilhem 
goes to her.) 

Ermengarda 
The devil of Roussillon loose again! 



144 I^ED Wine of Roussillon 
Raimon 

But one! They're seven devils laughing here 
Within this swept and garnished soul. 

(Raimon breaks into a fit of laughter, strikes 
himself fiercely on the breast, then catching 
sight of GuiLHEM by Seremonda's side, 
he becomes furious, rises to his feet, and 
rushing toward them, falls senseless to the 
floor. AiMAR and Vidal go to him and the 
former turns Raimon face upward.) 

Vidal 
He is not hurt. 

AlMAR 

Go, all of you, and get you to your rest. 
Go sleep in peace until to-morrow dawns. 
Then may God save us all. 

(Seremonda goes to Guilhem and clings to 
his shoulder.) 

CURTAIN 



Act IV 



Act IV. Scene I. 



Morning of third day. Village of Roussillon, 
Clara is washing the table in the arbour. 

Clara 
{Sings) 

Love is the wine of life, — 
Let's drink it, you and L 

{Enter Vidal and Berguedan by street from cas- 
tle. They are serious and worried) 

Vidal 

The man was mad to sing that song last night. 

Berguedan 
Naught saved him but his master's drunkenness. 

Vidal 

Lucky for Guilhem and for Barral, too. 
Count Raimon was too blind with wine to kill. — 
What will he do to-day.? 



148 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Berguedan 
He will not miss his aim again. 

ViDAL 

The day is cursed. 

The wind is almost dead, yet every leaf 
Shivers with fear. Even your face is pale. 
I wish I had not come to Roussillon. 

(Clara appears at entrance to arbour.) 

Clara 

Sir Meddler and Sir Mocker, by the mass ! 

(ViDAL and Berguedan do not notice her.) 

Berguedan 
The Count still sleeps.? 

ViDAL 

He has not left his chamber yet. 

Clara 

What are you plotting; an affair of state? 

(ViDAL and Berguedan look at her, but do 
not answer.) 



Red Wine of Roussillon 149 

You have forgotten Hebe, that is plain. 

It is a sultry day: the air is dry; 

My wine is wet. What say you to a drink? 

ViDAL 

No, do not trouble us. 

Clara 

You were in trouble ere I oped my mouth. 
No doubt tormented by your grievous sins. 
Guilhem is making his confession now: 
His soul is saintly innocence to yours. 

Berguedan 
Is Guilhem in the church? 

Clara 
He entered near an hour ago. 

Berguedan 

Bring us two stoups of wine. 

(ViDAL and Berguedan enter arbour and 
take seats at table. Clara goes into the 
inn.) 



150 Red Wine of Roussillon 

ViDAL 

We'll wait to see his face. — 

Berguedan 
The lad is brave enough. He will not flinch. 

{Enter Clara with two stoups of wine which she 
places on table) 

Clara 
Be careful of your sleeve, the table's wet. 

ViDAL 

{To Berguedan) 
Where think you they will meet? 

Clara 

Who meet? The table's wet, I say. 

(To Vidal) 
I see you keep the chain about your neck. 

{To Berguedan) 
Have you your ring as well? 

(Clara takes Berguedan's hand in hers 
and looks at ring.) 



Red Wine of Roussillon 151 

Berguedan 
{To Vidal) 

If we watch one, we're sure to see them meet. 

Clara 
What! Neither of you won her favour yet? 
Is Seremonda cold to both of you ? 

{Neither answers her.) 
I do not wonder if you 've lost your tongue. 
You're worse than Barral. 

Berguedan 
Come, Hebe, bluntly, we would be alone. 

Clara 
You do not like my pretty prattle, then? 
Well, call me when you want your flagons filled. 
{Exit Clara, singing. Raimon comes slowly 
down the road from the castle. His eyes are 
on the ground and he mutters as he walks. 
'S>KKKA.'L follows close behind him. The lat- 
ter has a bandage on his shoulder.) 

Berguedan 
Here comes Count Raimon now. 



152 Red Wine of Roussillon 

ViDAL 

Look at his face. 

Berguedan 

The fire of hell shines in his eyes. 

(Raimon paces up and down across square. 
GuiLHEM appears at church door and meets 
Raimon face to face, the latter standing at 
the foot of the steps. They look into each 
other's eyes with no word of greeting. 
GuiLHEM shows no sign of fear.) 

Raimon 

Go to the armoury and bring me here , 
Two boar spears, like to like. 

GuiLHEM 

I '11 hasten, my good lord. 

(GuiLHEM exits up road to castle. Raimon 
walks to and fro, his hands clenched behind 
his back, his eyes fixed on the ground. He 
pauses in front of Barral, but does not lift 
his eyes as he speaks.) 



Red Wine of Roussillon 153 

Raimon 

So, Barral, pious Guilhem lied to me. 
He has no love for Guida, that is clear. 
His song last night told plainly whom he loves. 
(Raimon crosses the stage and stops in front 

of Barral.) 
This morning he shall bare his soul to me. 
I would not harm him, for he is a boy, 
And sang as Seremonda bade him sing. — 
She's not a child. I'll wring the heart of her, 
I'll wring her heart until it oozes blood. 

(Barral makes gesture of entreaty.) 
Get you to hell! 

Or lift your mute appealing hands to heaven. 
You cannot move me. 

{Again Raimon crosses stage and returns.) 
Through Guilhem only can I hurt her much. — 
That's bad for Guilhem, for I hate him not. — 
I fear the lover or the lord must die — 
The jealous lord. 

(Raimon looks into Barral's face with a 

sinister smile.) 
If Guilhem dies, he goes straightway to 

heaven — 



154 Red Wine of Roussillon 

He's better far in heaven than I in hell. 

(Raimon laughs bitterly.) 
Your hands move not, your lips are mute, 
Yet your entreating eyes are eloquent. — 
If I can think of any curious plan 
By which I may at Seremonda strike 
And not harm Guilhem, I will follow it. 

(GuiLHEM enters and gives the boar spears to 
Raimon. The latter balances first one and 
then the other in his hand. Takes one and 
then the other, holds it above his head and 
strikes with it. He studies them carefully, 
then hands them back to Guilhem and 
asks:) 
Which think you is the better of the two.'* 

Guilhem 

They are twin spears, and like 

As I could find upon the armoury wall. 

Raimon 

And yet they differ. Look again, — 
Look carefully and tell me which you choose. 
(Guilhem tests first one and then the other 
spear. He gives them back to Raimon.) 



Red Wine of Roussillon 155 

GuiLHEM 

That in your right hand has the straighter shaft 
And slightly keener blade. By a hair's breadth 
It is the better weapon. 

Raimon 

Take it, and I will hold to this. 

Meet an me hour hence beneath the oak, 

The great oak in the distant wood. 

GUILHEM 

I will not fail you, my good lord. 

{As GuiLHEM passes the shrine he pauses for 
a moment^ kneels, crosses himself, and then 
hurries away toward the castle. Raimon 
watches him as he kneels, a sinister smile 
on his face, and when he has disappeared 
Raimon turns to Barral and laughs 
mirthlessly.) 

Raimon 

{Pointing) 

This is the forest road. 

He goes the longer way. I wonder why.? 



156 Red Wine of Roussillon 

(Raimon enters the street leading to the forest 
and Barral starts to follow him.) 
Go, get you to the castle. (Barral hesitates.) 

Go, I say. 
{Exit Raimon down street to forest; exit Bar- 
ral up road to castle. Vidal and Ber- 
GUEDAN have been watching and listening 
from the arbour. They now enter the square 
together.) 

Vidal 
His face was like a mask. 

Berguedan 
His voice was like to one who talks in sleep. 

Vidal 

What would he with the boar spears ? Were they 

swords 
I 'd think it meant a duel to the death. 

Berguedan 

With swords and armour 't is a sport for boys. 
With boar spears and unmailed, one man must 
die. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 157 

ViDAL 

You think they'll fight? 

Berguedan 
I am not sure. I 'd like to follow them. 
I would were I not clad in glaring red. 
Your sombre green is like the forest leaves. 

ViDAL 

I'll spy on them. 

I '11 wager what you will I am not seen. 

Berguedan 

My ring against your chain. 

(ViDAL exits street to forest, Berguedan 

road leading to castle. Clara comes to door 

and sees them as they disappear and Clara 

says:) 

Clara 
They've gone, and have not paid me for the 

wine. 
How strange they were as if they feared some ill. 
There is an evil spell upon the day. 

CURTAIN 



Act IV. Scene II. 



Hall of Castle^ evening of third day. Bergue- 
DAN walks before the fire, his hands clasped behind 
him, evidently troubled and in deep thought). 
{Enter Vidal hurriedly) 

ViDAL 

The chain is yours. 

{He takes it from neck and hands it to 
Berguedan.) 

Berguedan 

What care I for your chain? He caught you, 

then? 
You know not what has happened in the wood? 

Vidal 

I'd almost reached the oak when a dry twig 
Cracked 'neath my footstep and the frenzied 

Count 
Turned on me with the boar spear in his hand. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 159 

He swore a fearful oath he'd pierce my heart 
If e'er he saw my ferret face again. 

Berguedan 

A ferret! By the mass, he flattered you. 
You were a donkey stumbling in the path. 
I wish he'd kept his oath, you clumsy fool. 

ViDAL 

I 'd give three times the value of the chain 
If I were but an honest league away. 
There is a curse upon these castle walls, 
The smell of blood, the numbing chill of death, 
Is in the tainted air. 

Berguedan 

You're like a frightened child 

Who sees a ghost in every shadowy nook. 

ViDAL 

God knows there's reason for my fear! 

Berguedan 
What think you happened in the distant wood? 



i6o Red Wine of Roussillon 

ViDAL 

I think they fought beneath the giant oak, — 
The Count came back alone. 

Berguedan 

How looked the Count? 

ViDAL 

A little hour ago 

I had a glimpse as up the stairs he came. 
His face was pale, his eyes as red as fire. 
And on his left arm was his mantle hung 
As if beneath its folds something was hid. 
His glance was furtive, and he swore at me 
A dreadful oath. To curses I am used, 
But not an oath like that. 

Berguedan 
Would Guilhem raise his hand against his lord? 
Perhaps he took to flight and now is safe 
Nested in some snug castle in the North. 

ViDAL 

Guilhem took not to flight. 

You saw his face, you heard him when he said, 

"Truly I will not fail you, my good lord." 



Red Wine of Roussillon i6i 

Berguedan 
I wish we had not come within these walls. 
This is no place for meddlers. By the mass, 
I think so tangled are these threads of life 
They cannot be unsnarled. The hand of Death 
Will break them. 

ViDAL 

And mayhap us as well; let's go at once. 

Berguedan 
And bring suspicion swiftly on our heels f 

ViDAL 

Do what you will. I shall prepare for flight. 
I say there is a curse upon these walls. 

{Exit ViDAL. Berguedan paces the floor a 
little while and then follows Vidal.) 
(Seremonda enters with Adele) 

Adele 
The crimson would have suited you the best, 
And put new colour in your pallid cheeks. 

Seremonda 
Am I so pale to-night? 



i62 Red Wine of Roussillon 
Adele 

You're very pale, my lady, and your robe 
Makes you appear more wan. The garland, 

too; — 
I pray you let me change it. You are ill. 

Seremonda 

My faintness has not left me since I fell 
In Guida's arms. 

Adele 
I '11 run and get a cordial from your room. 

Seremonda 

No; help me to the window. 

(Seremonda goes to the window, leaning on 
Adele's shoulder.) 
How soft and fragrant is the wind to-night, 
'T is like a lover's fingers in my hair. 

(There is a cry, and Seremonda starts with 
hand at her throat and stares into the dark- 
ness,) 
What was that cry.'' 



Red Wine of Roussillon 163 

Adele 

Only a gull dropping upon the waves. 
You've heard its like a thousand times before. 

Seremonda 
It sounded like a man's last dying wail. 

Adele 

They say that in the gull's white breast there 

dwells 
The soul of some lost sailor drowned at sea — 
You should to bed, my lady. 

Seremonda 

To bed ! I could not rest. I am not well, 

But not so ill as to be put to bed. 

We should have news of Guilhem. It is late. 

Adele 
He may have lost his way. 

Seremonda 

You think he's safe? 



164 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Adele 
I'm sure he's safe, only a little late. 

Seremonda 

May the good saints preserve him from all 

harm! 
I 'm better now, Adele, and you may go. 

Adele 
You feel quite well? 

Seremonda 

Quite well — Good-night. You're very good 
to me. 

Adele 

Good-night, my lady. 

{Exit Adele. Seremonda looks after her 
smiling, then turns to the window. An- 
other cry from the sea.) 

Seremonda 

The gull again! I wonder if lost souls 
Dwell in the bodies of the wandering birds. 
I '11 ask good Aimar. He will know. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 165 
(Enter Guida. She is pale and frightened) 

GuiDA 

Count Raimon has returned — alone. 
Where Guilhem is, there is no one to tell. 

Seremonda 
You think him dead? 

Guida 

I know he went with Raimon to the wood. 
Each had a boar spear in his hand. 

Seremonda 

So went they yestermorn. To-day they had 
No other thought except to hunt the boar. 

Guida 

No other thought! He heard the song last 

night — 
Your song — proclaiming Guilhem's love for 

you. 
It was the quiet of the crouching wolf. 
You should have seen his eyes — his dreadful 

eyes — 



i66 Red Wine of Roussillon 

When first he left his bed and entered here. 
I sHpped behind the arras, faint with dread. 
Your lord stood brooding by the chimney-side. 
And Barral sat shivering before the fire. 
I held my breath till Raimon said at last, 
"I'm glad I did not kill the lad, last night." 

Seremonda 

Those were his words? I tell you, Guilhem's 
safe. 

GuiDA 

Safe! — and he went with Raimon to the wood! 
And Raimon had a boar spear in his hand! 
And Raimon back again alone! 

Seremonda 

But Guilhem had a boar spear, too. 
I say he lives. 

GuiDA 

Your saying will not bring the dead to life — 
If he is dead — I Ve questioned every one. 
Raimon could tell, but he is like a beast. 
When he returned — it was an hour ago — 



Red Wine of Roussillon 167 

He would not answer me a single word, 
But looked at me with eyes as red as fire. 
My heart was still and cold at sight of him. 
Oh, Seremonda, I am filled with fear. 
When saw you Guilhem last.'' 

Seremonda 

At early dawn a moment ere he went. 
'T was in the shadow of the hawthorn hedge, 
Where we have parted many times before. 
He held me in his arms and kissed my brow. 
He would not kiss my lips, although I begged 
That he would press them once. He shook his 

head, 
And smiled at me and wiped my tears away. 
So kind was he I did not miss the kiss, 
Until he'd left me and it was too late. 
A long time looked he in my eyes and said — 
"Sweetheart, we may ne'er ride across the fields, 
Nor reach the castle with the lilied moat: 
Yet somewhere we shall find the joy of life. 
We three together — you and I — and Love." 
(GuiDA bursts into tears. Seremonda tries 
to comfort her.) 



i68 Red Wine of Roussillon 

(Enter Aimar, zvho goes directly to Guida) 

GuiDA 

Help me, good father, I am filled with fear. 
Did Guilhem go to you to-day? 

Aimar 

He came to me before the sun was high. 
And made confession. When he left my side 
He was prepared to meet, with honest heart, 
What Life or Death might have in store for him. 

Guida 
I fear Death brought the message to his soul. 

Seremonda 
Tell us that Guilhem lives. 

Aimar 
Only the good God knows. 

{Enter Raimon, zvho stands looking in fire) 

Guida 
He knows — who enters like a padding wolf. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 169 

AlMAR 

He, too, is in God's hand for good or ill. — 
So are we all. 

{Enter Berguedan and Vidal) 

Berguedan 
What luck, my lord ? 

Raimon 
I killed but one to-day. 

Vidal 
And where is Guilhem? 

Raimon 

I parted with him underneath the oak. 

We will not wait for him. 

(Raimon strikes with handle oj dagger on 
shield hanging on the wall and the servants 
flock in; also Ermengarda enters. They 
take seats at table beginning left of stage, 
Vidal, Guida, Berguedan, Ermen- 
garda, Raimon, Seremonda, and Aimar. 
There is a vacant place at Seremonda's 
right for Guilhem. The table is silent.) 



170 Red Wine of Roussillon 

Ermengarda 

Guilhem is very late to-night. 
{To Raimon) 
Where did you leave him? 

Raimon 
Beneath the great oak in the distant woods. 

AlMAR 

You have not sent to search for him, .my lord? 

Raimon 
IVe made no search. 

AlMAR 

You think no harm has come to him? 

Raimon 

How can I tell ? 

{There is a long silence. All eat hut Sere- 

MONDA.) 

You touch no food to-night. 

Seremonda 
I am not hungry. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 171 

Raimon 
{To Seremonda) 

I bade the cook to make a special dish. 
It's like you Ve never tasted, I am sure. 

Seremonda 

I have no wish for food to-night. 

{The servant places a platter with silver cover 
before Seremonda.) 

Raimon 

I hope that you will eat to please your lord, 
Whose heart is grieved to see you look so pale. 
(Seremonda rises and points at dish.) 

Seremonda 
What meat Is this ? 

(Raimon looks up at Seremonda, a malevo- 
lent smile on his face. He rises slowly and 
looks into Seremonda's eyes.) 

Raimon 

It Is the heart of Guilhem whom I slew 

This morning 'neath the great oak in the wood. 



172 Red Wine of Roussillon 

AlMAR 

Gullhem Is dead! 

Raimon 
He's dead. 
He would not fight. I killed him with this hand. 

AlMAR 

Cain slew but one. 

(Seremonda, clutching at her throat, her 
face convulsed with horror, staggers back to 
the window, stumbles up the step, and turns 
to Raimon.) 

Seremonda 

Such sweet meat have you given me, my lord, 
I ne'er will eat again. 

Guida 
O, Seremonda! Little child of mine! 

Seremonda 

I take the selfsame path to heaven or hell — 
I care not which If I am by his side. 

(Seremonda glides through the window. 



Red Wine of Roussillon 173 

There is a flutter of her white robe as she 
leaps into the sea. All rush toward the win- 
dow. Raimon is last, but he throws the 
' others aside, seizes the bar, and struggles 
madly to push by it. He finally staggers 
back with a cry of agony.) 

Raimon 

And so it ends! O, cursed fiends of hell! 

Why did you bid me murder those I love? 

They both are dead, and in the selfsame path 

They walk together, happy, hand in hand — 

They shall not leave me here. 

(Raimon takes dagger from the table and 
plunges it into his breast. He staggers and 
falls to the floor. Aimar lifts him in his 
arms.) 

Aimar 

Look at this cross. Confess that you have 
sinned. 

Raimon 
I am a sinner. — May God pardon me. — 
Come, Death ! — Make haste ! — I pray you, let 
me pass. 



174 I^ED Wine of Roussillon 

Open the gate! I must upon my way. 
O, Seremonda! Guilhem! Wait for me! 
I follow close behind. I am alone. 

(Raimon/^//j back and dies.) 



CURTAIN 



CAMBRIDGE . MASSACHUSETTS 
U . S . A 



